Obituary of Virginia Barnard Deupree

Virginia Barnard Deupree, age 93, died March 15, 2007 in Venice, FL, where she resided since 1986. During her 30 ears in Big Rapids she was active in the Garden Club, former Association of Ferris Women and served as president of both the Hospital Auxiliary and Riverview P.T. A. several terms. She was a member of the United Church. For 10 years, Mrs. Deupree was a staff writer for the Big Rapids Pioneer, where she held the varying positions of city editor, special editions editor and feature editor. During her tenure at the Pioneer and for seven years afterward she authored the “River Ripples” column, sharing the authorship during the first year with Marie Jones. Four years ago, even though totally blind, she resumed her column writing for the Venice Gondolier and Sun and Big Rapids Pioneer. Many Pioneer readers welcomed the return of her humor and insights. Her husband, Joseph, who preceded her in death in 1991, was news editor at Ferris State University and author of its history, A Century of Opportunity. A graduate of Indiana University, she moved to Washington, D.C. at the time of her marriage, where they resided for 15 years. She was born December 23, 1913 in Bay City, TX, moving to Indiana as an infant. She and her husband moved to Big Rapids in 1956. Survivors are three children: James J. of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Jean Deupree of Omaha, NE and John L. Deupree of Silver Spring, MD; three grandchildren: Patrick, Jeanette, and Julia. Memorial Donations may be made to Talking Book Library, 6081 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207. Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel, is handling arrangements. Visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com to extend condolences to the family.