NEW PARIS -- Virginia Violet Kinney, 87, of New Paris, and formerly of Elkhart, passed away on Monday morning at the home of her daughter in Elkhart.

She was born on Aug. 8, 1923, in Palestine, to the late John and Helen (Friesner) Oswalt. She married James F. Kinney on July 6, 1946, in Elkhart. He passed away on June 4, 1987, in Elkhart.

She is survived by two sons, James D. (Deborah) Kinney of Port Washington, Wis., and Philip J. (Vera) Kinney of Goshen. Also surviving are four daughters, Sharla J. Kinney and Michael Eby, both of Elkhart, Susan J. Toliver of New Paris, Sharon J. (Thomas) Thompson of Tolono, Ill., and Sarah J. (Darrell) Bender of New Paris. Twelve grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter survive, as well as sisters Geraldine Murray of South Bend and Joan (Leo) Wright of Three Rivers, Mich.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband; three brothers, James, John and Louis "Vern" Oswalt; and her sister, Deloris Oswalt.

Mrs. Kinney was a homemaker and had formerly attended First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart. Virginia enjoyed listening to music, sewing and gardening. She was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II. There will be no visitation. A private family graveside committal service will be on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, at the family grave in Rice Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to attend a meal and fellowship at the High Dive pavilion, 500 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Arrangements are under the direction of Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Faith Mission, 801 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516.