July 16, 1946 - June 3, 2009

ELKHART -- Virginia Antisdel, age 62, of Elkhart, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at 10:55 p.m. at Elkhart General Hospital, with her family at her side. Her long and courageous battle with cancer was over.

Born July 16, 1946, in Elkhart, she was one of 13 siblings born to Howard M. and Hazel (Memmott) Bussard. She was the loving wife of Eric Glenn Antisdel, who married her in their family home in Elkhart on June 16, 1990.

Also surviving are her children, Todd (Charlene) Firestone of Edwardsburg, Mich., Teresa Firestone of Elkhart and John (Debra) Firestone of Goshen. Grandchildren include Susi and Rena Gomez, Nick Neff, Dan Wallace, Austin and Christina Firestone, Kevin Wallace and Kelly Hill, along with great-grandchildren, Korbin and Khloi Hostetler and London England. Two brothers, Bill (Sandy) Bussard of Goshen and Don Bussard of Elkhart, survive, as does one sister, Joan (Dave) Petgen of Elkhart. Finally, her father-in-law, Kenton Antisdel Sr., survives at the family home in Elkhart.

Preceeding Virginia in death are her parents; brothers Richard, Howard, Robert and Charles Bussard; sisters Carol Lou Bussard (who died in infancy), Patricia Williams, Jean Stahl, Susan Stevenson and Marie Mandabach; her mother-in-law, Ruby Antisdel; and her daughter Teresa's fiancé, Roberto Escobar Ramirez, who passed away a year ago in February.

Virginia worked in retail sales in the Michiana area for the majority of her adult life, but will be most remembered for the love and generosity she extended toward her family, including all of her grandchildren. She was also a devoted homemaker and enjoyed cooking, baking and spending time with her flowers that grew around her home. Her Christmas cookies were second to none, and she always made sure she had enough for everyone.

She was an avid bird lover, and she could often be found watching and feeding the birds that visited her home, as well as spending time with her two cockatiels. When she had some free time, she'd never hesitate to give her sister Joan a call and head for "the boat" in Michigan City.

Friends and family are invited to Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, on Monday, June 8, 2009, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. for a celebration of Virginia's life. Formal services will be conducted the following day on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at 1 p.m. with visitation one hour prior, at the funeral home. Pastor Karl Black from Crossroads Community Church in Elkhart will officiate. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.

Memorial donations may be given to the Ribbon of Hope Ministries at Elkhart General Hospital. Online condolences can reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com. Please join the family in celebrating the memory of a very special lady!