Virginia L. (Bolek) Best, 85, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the Hemingford Community Care Center.
Virginia “Ginger” was born September 15, 1935 to Arlie G. and Vernona (Irwin) Gilliam in Hay Springs, Nebraska where she grew up and attended school.
She married Melvin Bolek in early 1953 and resided on the Forney Ranch for a short time. They traveled and lived in Pennsylvania while Melvin served our country in the Armed Forces, later moving to Alliance and raising their family at 508 Hudson. They are the parents of 2 boys and 2 girls. During this time she worked at Don’s Café. After Melvin’s untimely death on December 11, 1968, Virginia was faced with raising 4 children alone and forced to learn how to drive a car and find employment. She worked for RK Nelson as an accountant for several years and later completing her career and retiring from the Guardian State Bank in the accounting department in 1986.
On December 3, 1974, Virginia married Robert “Bob” Best in Rawlings, Wyoming and they resided at the home on 508 Hudson. After their retirement, they enjoyed fishing and relaxing at their vacation home at Lake McConaughy.
Virginia also enjoyed making ceramics, playing cards with family, camping, fishing and reading.
She is survived by her sons, Rick (Vicki) Bolek of Alliance, Mark Bolek of Westminster, CO; Daughters, Vickie Butler of Henry, NE, and Debra (Jon) DeBusk of Las Vegas, NV.; Sisters, Lois Johnson of Chadron, Rita (John) Jungck of Rawlings, WY; Step-children, David (Linda) Best of Conowingo, MD, Richard (Bonny) Best of Alliance, Ron (Robyn) Best of Sterling CO, Randy (Terri) Best of Arvada, CO, Denny (Carol) Best of Rapid City, SD and Debbie (Scott) Dagit of Cedar Fall, IA. She is also survived by 8 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Melvin, her second husband Robert “Bob”, her brother-in-law Harland Johnson and her nephew, Doug Johnson.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Inurnment will follow in the Alliance Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to “Quilts of Valor” and sent in care of Kathy Dye at, 2450 CR 68, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301, or to Rick Bolek, 1308 Dakota Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.