Virginia Ann Ziegler, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 7, 2025, at the Sheridan County Health Complex.
Virginia was born on September 22, 1942, in Southeast Sheridan County, Kansas, to Jake Earl James and Melvina Goff James. She attended Hoxie Public Schools and graduated from Sheridan Community High School in 1960. On June 9, 1962, she married the love of her life, Virgil Ziegler, in Hoxie. In January 1964, they moved to their farm outside of Park, Kansas, where they raised their family and built a life together.
A lifelong learner, Virginia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Fort Hays State University in 1988, and later, a Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition from Kansas State University. She dedicated her professional life to the field of nutrition, first as the Registered Dietitian at Gove County Medical Center in Quinter, Kansas, and later as a consulting traveling dietitian serving numerous county hospitals and facilities throughout northwest and southwest Kansas until her retirement in 2016. She served as President of the State Board of Dietitians and was honored with various awards for her contributions to the profession.
Virginia found joy in music, especially playing the piano, baking homemade goods for family and friends, traveling, and always seeking out a good casino or the next winning lottery scratcher.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Virgil of Park; her three children: Kevin Ziegler of Elkins, AR; Cynthia (Rob) Bieberle of Colby, KS; and Patti (Shay) Ziegler of Phoenix, AZ. She also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren: Anna Ziegler, Zell (Alysha) Bieberle, and Tayler (Mason) Wright; and one cherished great-grandchild, Quinn Bieberle.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers—Jake E. Jr., Marvin, Darwin “Dale,” and Don—and her sister, Charlotte.
Visitation will be held at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home in Hoxie, Kansas, on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at St. Frances Cabrini Cemetery, Hoxie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Hoxie, Kansas 67750.