Virginia Lee (Hanson) Base, 91, Salina, died peacefully in her home of over 50 years on June 28, 2023 under the care of her loved ones and Hospice of Salina.
Virginia was born October 10, 1931 in Minneapolis, Kansas to Martha Mae (Johnson) and Charles Hanson. She was married to Clarence Base for 23 years, and to this union was born Clarence Jr. and Linda (Dewitt). Virginia worked as a nurse aide until her retirement from Presbyterian Manor in the mid-1990s.
Virginia was treasured by her loved ones for her quick wit, her toughness and her authenticity. She loved to talk. She made countless friends in her lifetime, most of whom she outlived. She loved to go out dancing at honky tonk joints and was particularly fond of Motown and Western Swing music. She had been through a lot, as many have, but stayed resilient, often reminding us that she was a survivor and so were we.
Despite working full time and living alone, Christmas dinners at Virginia’s home were unforgettable and spectacular events, as she made everything from scratch, right down to the half-dozen different kinds of candy she would serve on foil-lined platters. It’s hard to comprehend how she fit so many people, some of whom she barely knew, around the table in her tidy, festive little home, but she did so with great joy and enthusiasm. Virginia was the embodiment of unconditional love, and she never gave up on anyone. She was forever a lantern in the dark, and for that we are eternally grateful.
Left to mourn Virginia’s passing are her son Clarence “Buster” Base and wife Rose of Salina; daughter Linda Dewitt of Los Angeles; and her Shih-tzu, Dottie. She also leaves behind grandsons Ty Dewitt and Adam Base (Crissy) of Salina, and granddaughter Brandy Biswas (Asis) of Dallas, Texas. She will be missed by great-grandchildren Gage and Bailey Dewitt, Cole and Macala Base, and Arthur Biswas, and two great-great-granddaughters Delilah Dewitt and Sierra Base, and many nieces and nephews
Virginia was preceded in death by her eleven siblings, many close friends, and her beloved dogs Sophie and Jesse. The family offers their heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Salina, Saline County Home Health Department, and also to the volunteers of Salina Meals on Wheels for looking out for Virginia and her dog, Dottie.
Internment will be at the Highland Cemetery in Minneapolis, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Salina Meals on Wheels or the Salina Meals on Wheels-affiliated Senior Pet Food Project.