Virginia Schroeder

Virginia Lee Schroeder, 82, joined the love of her life, John Edward Schroeder, Sr., in heaven on Friday morning, June 07, 2019, following a brief stay in the hospital at Pawhuska, Oklahoma. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Victoria L. Carter; and step-brother, Frank Ehmke.

Virginia Lee was born on Wednesday, February 24, 1937, the oldest child to parents, Glen Norman Rice and Leila May (Thomas) Rice in the Hamill Hospital at Fairfax, Oklahoma. Growing up in the oilfields of the Naval Reserve, north of Fairfax, she received her education in the Fairfax School system, and graduated with the Red Devil class of 1955.

Shortly after graduation, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Parris Island Naval Base in Beaufort, South Carolina. It was there she met a young Marine, John Schroeder, who caught her eye. It was love at first sight for them both. While dating, John would send his platoon over to her barracks every night to sing to her. On September 15, 1956, they were joined in marriage. Virginia was discharged from the Marines and took up the role of homemaker and mother. To this union, four children were added: John Jr.; Victoria L.; Cindy and Glen T. Schroeder.

After John retired from the Marine Corps in 1970, the family moved to Broken Arrow spending the next ten years there until daughter, Cindy graduated from high school. In 1981, they moved to Enid and remained there until 2003 when the couple retired to Wynona, Oklahoma. They shared 58 wonderful years of marriage before John's passing on January 26, 2015.

Family was everything for Virginia, especially the grandbabies. It's not quite clear who was wrapped around whose little finger more, Virginia or the grandbabies. She was the best mom, wife and homemaker there ever was. She had a huge heart, but also strict. There was no doubt she loved you, but you weren't spoiled rotten either. If one of the kids messed up bad enough she'd make them go pick out their own switch. She cared for her family taking care of their needs from making the best Gumbo in the world to sewing their clothes, costumes and even formal wear. Anything Virginia wanted to do and set her mind to, she could do. She was an extraordinary artist and a tremendous prankster. John and Virginia got great enjoyment from playing pranks on their children. One time she strung a ghost to "fly" across the long driveway as they drove up to the house with all the kids in the car. Once, when the kids were little they had a teepee set up in the front yard for them to play in around Halloween time. That year as John drove off with them to go trick or treating Virginia waved bye to them from the porch. When they arrived back to the home after their adventures of collecting candy a dressed-up creature, AKA Virginia, jumped out of the teepee startling them all and sending candy flying in every direction. There are many attributes that Virginia will be fondly remembered for, one of which is the tremendous love she lavished on her friends and family.

Those she leaves behind to cherish her memories include her two sons; John Jr. of Enid and Glen and his wife, Kelly, of Enid; one daughter, Cindy Schroeder of Wynona; eight grandchildren; Brooke Torrey and husband, Brent, Jenna Rosine and husband, Kyle, Tiffany Carter, Christopher Carter, London Schroeder, Logan Schroeder, Lorien Schroeder, and Dusti Schroeder, eight great grandchildren; Keagan Carter, Kylen Thomas, Kamdyn Harrold, Dane Carter, Shane Carter, Brock Rosine, Charlie Torrey and Thea Torrey, and one great-great grandchild, Myles Drake Carter. Further survived by brother, Gary Rice of Jenks; sister, Judy Weaver of Wynona and step-sister, Mae Frisch of Brainerd, Minn. as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax. Private family services will be held at a later date.