Virginia Welch Lovell, 88, of Ocala, and formerly of Leesburg, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday February 28th, 2023 with family by her side. The beloved daughter of the late William and Dorothy Denk was born in Columbus, TX on March 12th, 1934.
As a child, she had the very unique experience of living for three years in the Panama Canal Zone before settling in Ponca City, OK.
Virginia met her future husband, Robert Lovell, in Wichita, KS where they both worked in the same office building. What started out as occasional get-togethers to have coffee quickly blossomed into true love. They married on December 8th, 1956 and then honeymooned in Havana, Cuba. As a young mother, Virginia enjoyed volunteering in her children’s schools.
During the 1980s, the couple lived for three years in Saudi Arabia while her husband worked as an electrical engineer for Westinghouse. This provided them with the opportunity to travel the world which they so enjoyed. Upon their return to the United States, they settled in Bloomington, IN where Virginia enjoyed attending the many events that living in a college town offered. She loved entertaining guests in her home, needlepointing, reading, and being a loving and supportive parent to her two adult children.
When her husband retired, they relocated to the warmer climate of Ocala, FL. Following her husband’s passing in 1999, Virginia moved to Leesburg, FL and then in 2020 she returned to Ocala to be closer to her devoted daughter.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by a son, Robert Lovell, Jr. and his wife Tansy Lovell of Culpeper, VA; a daughter Debora Donahue of Ocala, FL; a brother John Welch and his wife Debby Dunphy of Reading, MA; four grandchildren; one niece and one nephew.
Virginia will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her, but especially by her family. Her beautiful smile and welcoming personality will be remembered by all who loved her.
A private burial service will take place at the family plot in Valhalla Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. A Celebration of Life service will take place at a later date.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of Marion County for all of their kindness and care and encourage that any memorial contributions be made to that organization.