Virginia Sarah Hanchett, retired business teacher and longtime resident
of Hill City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2022, at the
age of 94, at Graham County Hospital.
Virginia was proceeded in death by her parents, sister Verda M.
McKain, and brothers Robert L. D. Hanchett, Ronald L. Hanchett, Donald
H. Hanchett, Daniel L. Hanchett, Earl E. Hanchett, and Herbert C.
Hanchett, Jr. She is survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews, great
nieces, great nephews, and a few great greats.
Virginia was born on September 19, 1927, in Grandmother Goodall’s
home southwest of Delphos, Kansas. She was the oldest sibling of 8
children born to Velma (Goodall) and Herbert Clifford Hanchett Sr.
Virginia graduated from Delphos High School in 1945. From there, she went
on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree from Kansas Wesleyan
University in 1949 and Master of Business Administration degree from
University of Denver in 1962. Virginia enjoyed attending workshops and
seminars with authors of the textbooks she was using while teaching
classes.
Virginia taught business education subjects for 42 combined years at
Lenora High School, Hill City High School, Belleville High School,
Wilson High School, and Highland High School. She also worked at Graham
County Medical Clinic for 3½ years doing Payroll and Accounts Payable.
Following that she continued on with the clinic part time working with
inactive obsolete records.
Virginia joined the Delphos Methodist Church in April 1945. She
dedicated her life to serving Christ during evangelistic services at
Kansas Wesleyan University. She was a member of the Hill City United
Methodist Women where she served as President for 10 years; served on
the Hays District UMW as Secretary, Communications Coordinator,
Committee on Nominations, and Education and Interpretations Coordinator;
and served on the Kansas West Conference UMW on the Committee on
Nominations.
Virginia was a National Education Association Life Member; National
Business Education Association Member (over 50 years); Kansas Business
Education Association Member (over 50 years); University of Denver
Alumni Life Member; Kansas Wesleyan University Alumni Association
Member; and Delta Kappa Gamma Member where she also served as secretary
of Beta Phi Chapter for several years. In 1979, Virginia was inducted
into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame.
Virginia’s greatest joys included learning of the accomplishments of
former students and of her many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great
nephews. She said, “I appreciate being invited to programs, weddings
and showers of former students and relatives. The help and concern of my
church family, neighbors, and friends has made my life in Hill City
especially meaningful.”
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