Virginia Waits

Virginia Waits, 83, of Hale Center, went to see Jesus face-to-face early Monday morning, December 28, 2015, as her body succumbed to the lung condition she endured for many years. Her love for the Lord never wavered as she struggled to take those last breaths. When asked if she were ready to see Jesus, her tired eyes brightened, and she broke into a broad grin, nodding affirmatively. Virginia was born March 5, 1932, to J.C. and Deeota Odam of Floydada. She married Stanley Waits of Abernathy, Sept 5, 1954. For many years, they farmed in Abernathy. She began her nursing career in 1968 as an aide at Hi-Plains Hospital and Nursing Home. After the family moved to Hale Center in 1970, she enrolled in the LVN school, attained her license and continued to serve her community at the two facilities. After retirement, she volunteered her time by delivering Meals on Wheels, working at Mission Hale Center, and teaching ESL classes. An active member of Hale Center First Baptist Church, she loved her M-Doc group, participating in the bi-monthly games, camps, programs and trips as often as her health allowed. At the Senior Citizens Center, she enjoyed daily meals, rousing games of Hand-N-Foot and occasionally a game or two of 42. Virginia is survived by her five children: Dee Rice of Hale Center; Elaine and husband Kerry Siewert of San Angelo; John and wife Jacki Waits of DeSoto; Karen and husband Tony Rastetter of San Angelo; and Jeff and wife Stacy Waits of Livingston. Grandchildren include Crystal Rushing, Angela Rushing, Michael Rushing, Leah Sierakowski, Heather Tallman, Chelsea Waits, Josh Rastetter, Becca Perkins, Taylor Waits, Stanton Waits, Annalisa Waits and Cavanaugh Waits. She also has five great-grandchildren who brought her much joy. Her extended surviving family includes her sister in Arizona, two aunts, 5 nephews and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one beloved daughter, Eula Marie Waits, who died in 1955. Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Hale Center, Jan. 1, 2016 at 10 a.m. Kris Knippa and Anthony Sisemore will officiate. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Family will gather to receive friends on Thursday, December 31, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the family center at Abell Funeral Home in Hale Center. Services are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home and Flower Shop of Hale Center. A private graveside service will follow at the Abernathy Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Hale Center Senior Citizens, PO Box 205, Hale Center TX 79041 or the Hale Center Public Library, PO Box , Hale Center TX 79041.