The late Virginia Honstead is described as an extreme extrovert and her contributions to her Meadowlark Hills community are immeasurable.

Virginia and her late husband’s financial generosity made the creation of the Honstead Household possible. She valued the opportunity for a place of worship and helped provide this to her community by facilitating the Sunday evening Vesper schedule and playing the piano during church services in Wroten.

Nancy Gammill, Virginia’s daughter stated, “She was always participating in something or talking to someone. My mother was very involved in the life of Meadowlark Hills.” Virginia gave life to her community, even up to her last day on May 6, 2013.

An influential person, Virginia has touched the lives of many, including Meadowlark Hills staff, residents and family members.

Darcy Olson, a long-term employee of Meadowlark Hills, had a special connection with Virginia. She spoke about a time when Virginia asked her a favor and Darcy came through on the task. Virginia was thankful and tears came to her eyes. “Virginia never forgot me after that,” Darcy said. “Those little things we can do for residents are what really count.”

Virginia had a way with people. Despite her social nature, she knew when and how to listen. “My mom was a great listener, then would ask all the right questions. When mom’s hearing started to fail, we found other ways to connect. This is something that I will miss about my mother,” Nancy shared.

“Bramlage House just won’t be the same without Virginia,” Jayme Minton, Bramlage Household Coordinator declared. “She was such a blessing to a transitional care household. Our guests that were here to recover found stability in Virginia. Often times, guests would return to Bramlage to visit Virginia after they had returned home. She left a lasting impression on all she came in contact with.”

The Meadowlark Hills Foundation honors an individual who has given years of service and has displayed unwavering dedication and continued support for Meadowlark Hills during an annual banquet. In 2005, Virginia’s support of her community was recognized when she and her husband were awarded the Manhattan Legacy Award.        

Virginia was born on August 5, 1916, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She married Bill Honstead of Waterville, Kansas on September 25, 1940 at her home in Lincoln. In 1988, Virginia moved to independent living at Meadowlark Hills. She utilized the continuum care that Meadowlark Hills provided and lived in many areas of the organization. Her last years were spent in Bramlage House as a permanent resident. 

The impact Virginia had on everyone around her is evident. Her name lives on within our walls. Virginia’s love of life and spirit will be missed by all who knew her.