Virginia L. Reichart

Virginia L. Reichart passed away peacefully on Tuesday at Streamside Assisted Living, surrounded by family.   She was 92. 

She was born Virginia Louise McClaskey, near Hoffman, Minnesota in 1922, the middle of Ethel and Charlie McClaskey’s five children.  Growing up, the family farm was too far out in the country to walk to school in winter, so from the second grade on, she and her older sisters often lived in rented rooms in town. During the Depression, the family headed west, first to Wyoming and then settling on a farm in Nampa, Idaho.  Virginia graduated from Nampa High School in 1940.

Just after graduation, Virginia got a job at Nampa’s First Security Bank. She moved into a boarding house where another resident, Louis Albert Reichart, soon caught her eye.  They wed in 1941, and she gave birth to their only daughter, Linda, 15 months later. 

Virginia and Louis enjoyed 67 years of marriage and partnership until his passing in 2008.  During those years, they purchased and co-managed the CB Oil Company until they retired.  Virginia kept the office and finances in order and fuel deliveries on schedule.  She loved the personal connections she made through the business, and she and Louis counted many employees and customers among their friends.

Virginia and Louis highly valued family. Their home was a second home to their two granddaughters who loved spending time at Grandma’s.  They had close relationships with their siblings and many nieces and nephews, and hosted countless (and ever-expanding) gatherings from big holiday meals to summer picnics. From time to time, they shared their home with family and friends when someone needed a place to stay for a little while.

She and Louis travelled extensively to many countries, with her favorite places being in Africa.  Closer to home, she loved spending time by the water, particularly at the Oregon Coast and in McCall.

Service and community were important to Virginia. She was long active in the Women’s Century Club (in her later years, she was a “Calendar Girl” for several years running), Credit Women International, Friends of the Nampa Library, and in many Exchange Club service activities.  She was also very active in the Christian Women’s Fellowship and served many leadership roles with the Nampa First Christian Church.  For years, Virginia held her own personal “coat drive,” scouting sale racks and yard sales for winter coats for elementary students whose family could not afford to buy one.

Virginia was always classy.  Not only was she a sharp dresser with a sense of flair -- she made sure everyone felt included and always seemed to know just the right thing to say. 

She loved spending time among the lilacs, poppies, iris and lilies in her garden.  Her Cracker Pie was a hit at every gathering and a frequent request.  She always seemed to have a craft project or jigsaw puzzle underway and a book in hand.  She loved to tell a good story and had a gift for making conversation with anyone. 

We are grateful for the many wonderful memories of Virginia we will carry.  She is survived by her brother, Charles McClaskey (Grace), daughter, Linda Wintrode, granddaughter, Candy Solovjovs (Juris) and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A special thanks to the staff of Streamside Assisted Living and Treasure Valley Hospice for their care and support, especially over the course of her final days.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Nampa First Christian Church, 619 12th Ave. So. – Nampa on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 10:30 AM. Services are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So. – Nampa – 442-8171. An online guest book is avaiable at www.nampafuneralhome.com.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Nampa First Christian Church 619 12th Ave. So., Nampa, ID 83651 or to Northwest Christian University, 828 E. 11th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401.

 Service Information