Virginia Clare Hoskins

Virginia Clare (Garvey) Hoskins of Sedalia, MO, passed away on November 22, 2024. She was born August 1, 1935, in Butler, MO, to R.A. "Spec" and Josephine Louise (Walsh) Garvey, who preceded her in death. Virginia spent her formative years in Brookfield, MO. Upon graduation from high school there, she worked for several years in Kansas City, MO. She married Robert "Bob" Hoskins in Honolulu, HI, in 1955, a marriage that lasted more than 65 years before his death in 2021.

A Sedalia resident since 1967, Virginia raised her five sons and two daughters on the family's rural farm. She was active in community service for decades as a volunteer in numerous positions including Jaycee Wives, CASA and The Open Door. She also owned and operated the Bernina Sewing Machine shop and fabric store in downtown Sedalia. Virginia was a firm believer in education and campaigned tirelessly for the establishment of State Fair Community College where six of her seven children attended. Among her passions were travel, genealogy and baking bread. Virginia traveled throughout the world including trips to China and Eastern Europe before the fall of the iron curtain. A well-accomplished amateur genealogist, Virginia was successful in tracing her family tree to the early 15th century and discovered that her ancestors first came to America in 1630 aboard the Mary and John.

Virginia was an avid reader and was rarely found without a book in her hands. She read over 300 books a year for more than 40 years, with historical topics her favorite. In 2021, with the death of her husband, Bob, Virginia inherited one of her most prized possessions: the remote control to the television and with it discovered there was more to watch than news and sports.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Garvey and sister, Mary Louise Thorpe. Her legacy to the community are her children who survive her: Glen (Debbie) Hoskins, Hughesville, MO; Brian (Sadiya) Hoskins, Oakton, VA; Mark (Kerrie) Hoskins, Gladstone, MO; Keith (Tami R.I.P) Hoskins, Columbia, MO; Moira (Dave) Healy, DeSoto, KS; Kelly (Amy) Hoskins, Omaha, NE; Margaret (Larry) Ward, Sedalia, MO; 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren as well as cousins Michael Garvey, Denis Garvey, Bridget Gillespie, Thomas Garvey, Judy Maxwell, Scott McBride, Mary Beth Elison, Michael Walsh, and John Pat Walsh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception in Brookfield, MO, on December 14, 2024.

Visitation will begin at 9:30, Rosary at 10:15 with Mass beginning at 10:30.

Burial will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, and all are welcome to return to the school basement for lunch.

In lieu of flowers, mourners are encouraged to contribute to EW Thompson Health & Rehab Center Activity Center or AGC Hospice (formerly Crossroads), whose staff provided incredible care for Virginia over the last 10 months, or the Sedalia Police Department's Protective Vests for Detectives.