Virginia Naney Obituary

Mary Virginia (Ginny) Naney, 90, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 9, 2022 surrounded by family at Unity Point Health IMMC in Des Moines, Iowa. To celebrate her graceful and caring life, friends are invited to meet with her family for a visitation on Saturday, June 18 from 9:00-10:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines. After the visitation, there will be a celebration of life service at 10:00 am followed by burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Masks can be worn but are optional.

Virginia was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on February 9, 1932 to Byron and Mabel (Ogren) Johnson. She was named Mary after her grandmother but was always called Virginia or Ginny by family and friends. Born with a proud Swedish and Lutheran heritage, she was the middle of three sisters. Virginia grew up in Ottumwa and was active with many friends in her church choir and Luther League. Her father was the co-owner of Johnson’s Funeral Home in Ottumwa and she would tell stories of traveling with him to help him assist families when their loved ones passed. Virginia learned great care and compassion from her father and took this with her throughout her life and it was the beginning of her servant heart. She cooked and baked with her mother mastering Swedish recipes which would be the foundation of amazing dinners and baked items for her own family. She graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1949 and Virginia attended Iowa State Teacher’s College (now the University of Northern Iowa) where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Kindergarten and Primary Education in 1953.

With her education completed, Virginia moved to Cedar Rapids to teach kindergarten at Taylor Elementary. While living there she met Dick Naney of Dubuque, Iowa. They were married in 1955 and they lived in Cedar Rapids until 1956. They relocated to Des Moines in 1956 when Dick’s job at Northwestern Bell asked them to do so. Virginia then taught first grade at Clover Hills Elementary in West Des Moines until 1957 when she and Dick welcomed the first of four children. She stayed home to raise their children and in later years was a supportive caregiver to multiple aunts and her mother. In addition, she also had a part-time position for fourteen years as the Executive Secretary to the Iowa League of Nursing where she made a huge impact and was greatly valued by all.

Virginia had a special sweetness and caring way. She accepted people for exactly who they were, loved them unconditionally, encouraged them and brought out the best in them. Her actual hobbies were few (though she was known to sew beautiful homecoming dresses for her daughter and knit mittens and scarfs for her grandchildren) because she spent her time loving and supporting her family and friends. Much to everyone’s great joy, oftentimes this support took the form of delicious cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies and ham balls. She was a member and tireless volunteer at Grace Lutheran Church for 60+ years where she enjoyed the women’s circles and providing funeral luncheon support. Until her last day, Virginia continued making new friends and it was her numerous acts of kindness that made people feel special. Virginia will be remembered for her friendliness, strong values, warm and caring personality, great love of God, family and country, and cheerful outlook.

Left to cherish her sweet, loving ways are children Lynn (Mitch) Anderson of Indianola, Sue (Randy) Porepp of Grimes, Steve (Doris) Naney of Colorado Springs, Ann (Rob) Torry of Urbandale, grandchildren Joe (Jenny) Porepp, Matt (Tyann) Porepp, Meagan (Ryan) Jacobson, Tyler (Megan) Anderson, Jake (Kristen) Anderson, Eric (Jackie) Naney, Paul (Megan) Naney, Luke Torry, Kyle Torry, Ben Porepp, 8 great-grandchildren, sister Beverly Scherling and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death and now is reunited with her loving husband of 63 years Richard (Dick) Naney, her parents, her sister Betty and many other cherished family members and friends.

In place of flowers, her family asks that memorials are made to Grace Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army.

Ginny's service will be livestreamed from the church on Saturday. Go to gracedm.org/live shortly before 10am to access the site.




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