Virginia Ivy

Virginia Elizabeth Ivy made her final trip on August 8, 2021 at the age of 97. She was the third of five children born to Edwin Parr and Elgie Gustafson Parr. Her Gustafson grandparents immigrated from Sweden, and she had fond memories of growing up in a Nebraska farm community where Swedish customs and language were common. As a child of the depression, she learned the importance of getting by on less and taking care of your possessions.
After graduating from Greeley High school in 1941, she attended business school in Denver. While at a band concert at a Denver city park, she met a charming young Army Air Corp recruit, Joe Dan Ivy. After he was sent overseas, she moved with her family to Bremerton, Washington for the duration of World War II, working as a civilian employee at the Naval shipyard. Romance continued to grow by mail, and when Joe returned from the war, they promptly began their fifty-three year marriage. They settled in Joe’s hometown of Conroe, Texas, and after retirement moved to Lorena, Texas to be closer to their daughters. Prior to her failing health, Virginia was active in Lorena Methodist Church, the Lorena Women’s Club, and Lorena Cemetery Association. She was an excellent seamstress, an avid reader, and an accomplished stained glass artist. She was a tenacious advocate for her children. In the early 1950’s before special education, she insisted that her special needs son be allowed to attend public school. After several years her persistence prevailed and the school doors finally opened for her son. Twelve years later he graduated from Conroe High School. After that accomplishment, her husband lovingly referred to her as “the war department”. She was a dedicated Democrat who only voted for two Republicans in her lifetime – her son-in-law and her grandson. Virginia was very concerned about the environment, world poverty, and world peace. She supported several organizations that addressed these issues. Her greatest joy was family. She loved to cuddle up with a child in her lap and read books. Grace, good manners and impeccable taste describe her best.
She is survived by her son, David Ivy; daughter Cheryl Reyna and husband Felipe Reyna; daughter Jody Rosas and husband Eddie Rosas; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; sister Iva Lee DuBey and brother Bob Parr; Thank you to the caregivers who helped make her comfortable in the final days. Anne Stukes, Kathy Davis, and the other angels at Ascension Community Healthcare. Due to the local resurgence of Covid-19, a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.