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GOEBEL -- Virginia Goebel April 16, 1924 to September 28, 2006 Virginia (Ginny) Goebel was born and raised on a pecan and peach orchard farm on the western edge of Waco, TX. She graduated from Waco High in 1940 at age 16, and received double degrees in Home Economics and Elementary Education from North Texas State University. She married Morris R. Goebel, also from Waco, in 1945, who remained her husband for 55 years. They moved to Albuquerque in 1953 when Morris was hired by Sandia National Labs, and raised three children - Rod, Vicki, and Don. The family joined Central Methodist Church in 1954, where she was active in the Chancel Choir for many years. Virginia devoted her life to being a wife, mother, homemaker and gardener. She was a gifted 'perfect pitch, plays by ear' pianist, and made sure all three of her children could read music and play an instrument. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for both sons, and leader of her daughter's Girl Scout Troop for 8 years. She organized the summer Day Camp activities twice, with her troop always winning the competitions when participating. Her leadership abilities became well recognized and she was asked to head the Girl Scouts for NM in the late 1960s. Virginia and Morris both loved to play bridge, and organized a bridge club early on with church friends. Virginia also excelled as a flower arranger, interior decorator and seamstress. Her home decor was all her own handiwork - even the drapes and upholstery - as well as her daughter's and her own wardrobes. She was an active member of Mesa Diggers Garden Club, loved setting up the State Fair exhibits, worked in the Council Libary, and served as President of the Albuquerque Garden Council for one term. She taught part-time kindergarten when her children were young, and then ran the office for several doctors when she was in her 50s - just for 'something interesting to do'. She even sang in the chorus for an ACLOA stage production of The Sound of Music around 1974. Virginia was taught to fish in the Bosque River by her father as a young girl, and she encouraged and enjoyed her own family's camping and fishing trips, which soon included boating. Her last great adventures were experienced in the comfort of an RV instead of a pitched tent. "Mother" was always on the go, never with idle hands, and had an uncanny gift for organizing and getting things done. She was constantly doing for others. She had a great sense of humor, and a particular kindness and goodness about her that stayed even thru her last days. She refused to complain, and never had an unkind word to say. Mother brought love and joy and adventure to her family and her many friends, and will be missed by all. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her son, Rod. A Memorial Service is scheduled in the Chapel of Central United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 12:00 noon. Her ashes will be taken to the Santa Fe National Cemetery the following week for burial alongside her husband, Morris. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Zia Hospice Foundation, 4141 Montgomery Blvd NE, 87109 - a fund to help needy families with hospice care. Or to the Music Fund of Central United Methodist Church, 1615 Copper Ave NE, 87106.
        Published on: Sun October 15, 2006