Virginia Riedinger

Virginia Lee Riedinger

1934 - 2026

Virginia Lee Riedinger, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend passed away surrounded by family, leaving a void in their hearts that cannot be filled.  Virginia was born in 1934 at the family home built by her grandfather in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.  She was the third of four daughters born to Martin Luther and Mary Elizabeth Bewley. 

After moving around the country extensively while growing up, Virginia met the love of her life in 1958.  When asked by her father, a Border Patrol agent, who she would like to meet at the Yuma, Arizona sector picnic, she asked to meet the handsome playboy of the group, Carl James Riedinger.  After a whirlwind courtship lasting only two months, they were married and their first daughter Cynthia (Hansen) was born eleven months later, followed by Mitchell in 1961, Katherine (Eisenbarth) in 1963 and Rebecca (Riedinger-Twohy) in 1966.  Due to Carl’s service as a Border Patrol agent the family moved frequently, living in Arizona, Washington, Puerto Rico, Florida, Vermont and California.  Virginia made each of these moves an exciting transition to a comfortable new home.

Virginia was an adventurer at heart.  She earned her solo flight license at the age of 15 and later owned an airplane with Carl.  She was captain of the high school basketball team, played softball and volleyball and won a bowling tournament with a trip to Chicago.  She rode horses, and in Florida, she rode her own motorcycle on trips alongside Carl.   Her travels took her to Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe and China, all of which she enjoyed very much. 

Virginia was a champion of all worthy causes and always came to the aid of those in need.  She served in various Chair positions and as President of the local chapter of Newcomers of Spokane.  She also served on the Board of the local chapter of the International Footprint Association and the Women and Children’s Free Restaurant.  She made deliveries for Meals on Wheels with her good friend Cherry as long as she was able to continue.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Carl and her infant son Mitchell, by her elder sisters, Betty (Davenport) and Vera, and her son-in-law Lawrence Twohy.  She is survived by all her daughters and her sons-in-law Bradley Hansen and Jay Eisenbarth, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.  She is survived by her twin granddaughters, Sophia and Isabelle Twohy, who were the light of her life.  Virginia is survived by her younger sister Carol and brother-in-law Mace Jennings.  She is also survived by many other nephews, nieces and cousins as well, including her loving niece, Kimberly Winkler.  Kimberly lived with Virginia after Carl passed away in 2002, becoming a steadfast friend and companion and taking excellent care of Virginia later as her mobility deteriorated.  We want to thank her caregivers, especially Madina, for the comfort they provided.  Thank you as well to all her wonderful friends, including Deb and Ron, for their unwavering friendship and support.

Services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 29^th at Bethel Church of the Nazarene located at 1111 South Thor Street in Spokane.  A burial will follow at a later date.