Virginia M. Schierling, 92, died Tuesday, Oct. 20,
2020, at the Newton Presbyterian Manor.
She was born October 12, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri,
and grew up in Kinsley with her adoptive parents
Robert and Sophia (Fox) Richards. On Aug. 14,
1950, she married Irvin Schierling at Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in Halstead, and they made their
home in Newton. Irvin preceded Virginia in death on
February 17, 2006.
She was a graduate of Kinsley High School and
earned her nursing degree from Hertzler Hospital
School of Nursing in Halstead. She served as a registered
nurse for more than 40 years before retiring. She
worked at Hertzler Hospital, Bethel Clinic and Doctors
Park in Newton. She was a member of the Hospital
Nurse Alumni.
Virginia’s Catholic faith was central to her life and
she was a lifelong member of the St. Mary Catholic
Church in Newton.Virginia and Irvin enjoyed spending
time at their Colorado cabin. She loved her family and
always enjoyed her visits with family and friends. She
will be greatly missed for her wisdom, humor and
grace.
The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude
for the exceptional care Virginia received while a
resident of the Newton Presbyterian Manor.
She is survived by her daughters Susan (Tom) Gillett
and Sharon Stockham both of Newton; three grandchildren
Eric Stockham, Liz Schmidt and Nick Gillett; and
five great-grandchildren Luke, Jack, Ayden, Gavin and
Ava
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, parents,
and one son in law J.D. Stockham. She is also preceded
in death by three brothers and one sister.
Funeral Mass was at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at St.
Mary Catholic Church in Newton with the Rev. Max
Blitz Celebrant. Recitation of the Holy Rosary was at 6
p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Petersen Funeral Home in
Newton and was led by the Rev. Nicholas Voelker. The
family received friends until 7:30 p.m. following the
Rosary. Visitation was from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Petersen
Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic School
in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
