Virginia Ann (Billinger) Kinderknecht was born on October 21, 1938, in Hays, KS, to Otto and Francis Billinger. She passed away on February 23, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Center in Ellis, KS, at the age of 86.
She attended school in Park and graduated from Park Rural High School with the class of 1956. After high school, she attended St. Anthony School of Nursing in Hays, KS, graduating in 1959. On September 12, 1959, she married Robert “Bob” Kinderknecht, and they were married for 61 years. To this union, three children were welcomed to the family. Their home was open to many, often gathered around the table. She was known for her incredible fried chicken among her family.
Virginia proudly held the title of Director of Nursing at the Gove County Hospital, later transferring to the Long Term Care Facility. In 1969, she took time to raise their young family. Beginning in 1973, she dedicated 37 years as both the school nurse at USD #292 and the Gove County Health Nurse. She loved caring for people of all ages and always put their needs before hers.
Virginia was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas. Her greatest enjoyment and blessings were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—they made her very proud. She and Bob would attend the grandchildren’s school events, ball games, and music concerts, wherever the location. She enjoyed 50s and 60s music, polka dancing with Bob, researching family genealogy, and planning and attending Park High School alumni reunions.
Survivors include two children, Lisa Cox of Ellis, KS, and Don Kinderknecht of Seattle, WA; two grandchildren, Emily and husband Jordan Mattheyer, and Ethan and wife Britny Cox, all of Ellis; and three great-grandchildren, Mason and Ava Mattheyer and Mallory Cox. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Bob; brother, Don Billinger; son, Larry Kinderknecht; and son-in-law, Larry Cox.
If she is a fraction of the guardian angel that she was a nurse, we are ALL in good hands. May her memory live on because of memories that have been made by her love.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made out to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Ellis Good Samaritan Center. Any other donations received will go to the Fort Hays Nursing Program in Virginia’s honor. Donations made to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.
A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, February 27, at 5:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main St., Quinter, KS, with a prayer of the Rosary immediately following. Visitation will continue until 7:00 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 202 Cottonwood St., Park, KS, with burial to follow.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.