Virginia P. Fiskum, 85, of Richland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 3, 2011 at her home after a short illness surrounded by her family. She loved her children dearly and considered her granddaughters most precious in her life. She will always be remembered for her love of family and friends.

She was born at home on February 8, 1925 to Richard and Frances Pfefferle in Monroe, South Dakota.

Virginia graduated from Business School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and moved to Richland in 1947. She met Orrand on a blind date and six months later, they were married. They were happily married for 43 years until Orrand's unexpected death in November of 1991.

Virginia started her career as a secretary for GE. Next, she went to work for a law office. Virginia and Orrand were blessed with two beautiful children. Once Paul and Julie started school, she worked part time for the Richland School District at Spalding Elementary. She went on to work in medical records at Kadlec Medical Center, retiring after 25 years.

Growing up, Virginia was known as the "Grasshopper Queen" of Monroe. She spent long hours fishing alongside her dad and hanging out with her two sisters. When Virginia made a friend, it was for life. Her friends were so important to her. Her activities that she enjoyed were playing cards, bowling, church, and going out to dinner with her work friends. Virginia felt letter writing was a lost art. For her entire life, Virginia corresponded weekly with her sisters in California, her sisters-in-law in Minnesota, and her many friends that moved away. She enjoyed her son and daughter-in-law's weekend visits to Richland and spending time with her daughter, granddaughters, and niece from Sunnyside.

She was survived by her son, Paul AudraeFiskum of Naches, WA; daughter, Julie DaveDeen of Richland, WA; sister, Donna JD McCoy of Buena Park, CA; granddaughters, Kayla, Megan, Hayley Deen; many in-laws, nieces, and nephews; and special friend, L. Jack Lampman of Seattle, WA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orrand Fiskum and sister, Dorothy Caviness.

A graveside service will be held in Richland at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Memorial service will be held at Richland Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the church.

Visitation will be at Einan's Funeral Home, 915 By-Pass Highway in Richland, WA on Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Community Services, Richland Lutheran Church Youth and the Lower Valley Hospice and Palliative Care of Sunnyside, WA.