Virginia May Edgerly

Virginia M. (Soule) Edgerly, 92, of Dowagiac, passed away Friday, August 18, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held , August 24, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, MI with Pastor Boyd Saylor and Pastor Chad Benkert officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, August 23, from 4:00 PM until 8:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Federated Church, North Red Hill 4-H Club or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign Virginia’s guestbook on line may do so at www.clarkch.com. Virginia was born March 5, 1925 to Levi & Florence (Heckelman) Soule at their home in Fabius Twp, St Joseph County MI. She graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1943. Virginia was united in marriage to Floyd Edgerly on March 14, 1946 in Dowagiac, MI. She worked at several grocery stores over the years that included Martins, Eberhards, Krooks Super Dollar and Buy Low. Virginia also worked at Rajzer’s Nursery for a short time. Virginia was a lifelong member of the Federated Church of Dowagiac, where she served as a member of the Women’s fellowship and the Pegeretts Circle. She was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star #263/234, past Mother Advisor of Rainbow for Girls #63, life member of the Cass County Mounted Sheriff Department and a key leader for North Red Hill 4-H Club in Cass County for 50 years; she was a 4-H leader for a total of 60 years. She taught many children how to sew and make candles as a 4-H leader. Later she became a 4-H leader in Van Buren County so she could help her daughter teach candle making. Virginia served on the State of Michigan and Cass County 4-H boards. She had a passion for the Cass County Fair, working faithfully for 60 years. Virginia believed in giving of your time and being involved, she was a volunteer for Cass County Hospice and Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital gift shop and information desk, she was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.  Virginia was named as hometown hero in 1993. Virginia is survived by her 5 children, Bonnie (Charles) McCarthy of Dowagiac, Barbara (Mike) Jendrasiak of Sparta, Beverly (Steve) Rajzer of Decatur, Betty (David) Groth and Burton (Jennifer) Edgerly of Dowagiac; 14 grandchildren, Robert McCarthy, Charles McCarthy, John (Julie) Peck, Eric (Tina) Peck, Sherri Peck, Danielle Jendrasiak, Jennifer (Wyatt) Elmore, Janice (Eric) Zerbe, Jessica (Matt) Overley, Stephen Rajzer, Terry (Lisa) Groth, Nichole and Ashley Edgerly, Elisabeth (Brent) Marlow; 25 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild; sister Ruth Mader of Gobles; along with many nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Warren (Lois-Edna) Soule, George Soule, Cleon Soule and Dorothy (Francis-Bud) Holm.