Virginia Lee Peters, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away at home on April 25, 2021 at the age of 81 after an extended illness. Born August 19, 1939, to King E. Barnett and Emma Jeanne Barnett, Virginia lived in Monett until she married Major (USAF) Jerry M. Peters on December 26, 1955.
Virginia was a devoted wife and a dedicated military spouse, which included being an active member of base life as well as raising her children alone during her husband’s three tours to Asia. In the days before the internet, she wrote her husband every other day he was on tour, and included drawings, pictures, and letters from their children to ensure an easy transition when he returned home. The entire family was stationed for three years in Naples, Italy, where Virginia volunteered at the Naples Hospital, played on a basketball team, and modeled for fashion shows. Virginia stood out among her peers, and she was tapped to give classes on military protocol.
Upon Jerry’s military retirement in 1971, they returned to Pierce City where she was a member of the Garden Club, the Bridge Club, the Supper Club, and the PTA. Her famous New Year’s parties were enjoyed by friends and family. Wherever there was a need, Virginia volunteered, including for Meals on Wheels and the Veteran’s Home. She served as an active, life-time member of the Women’s VFW Auxiliary for Tom Wolfe Memorial Post 4207 in Monett. She twice served as president and held all the chairmanships on the auxiliary level. Some of her happiest and proudest memories were of her years on the VFW pool league. She was an exemplary mother, teaching her children to value honesty and fairness and loyalty.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, her son Mark Peters and wife Kenna, and her brother Richard Barnett. Virginia is survived by daughter Valerie Sommer and husband, Art, of Springfield; daughter Victoria Howerton and husband, Phillip, of West Plains; son Eric Peters and wife, Ryna, of Jefferson City; and daughter Debra Hamilton and husband, Rick, of Carthage; as well as grandchildren Claudia, Sarita, Mitt, Mya, Mattie, McKelvie, and Nicole. She is also survived by brother Joe (Carole) Barnett, brother Tom (Vivian) Barnett, and sister, Rebecca Giboney.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2021 at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Monett, with the Honorable Jack Goodman delivering the eulogy. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.