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KEREKES -- Virginia Vandora Kerekes, 78, died July 2, 2009. She was born March 4, 1931 in Fort Smith, Arkansas where she lived with her family on a farm. As an only child, she spent a lot of time outdoors helping with chores and riding horses. She graduated from high school at 14 and started college. She was a member of the Kilgore Rangerettes, a famous drill team that was invited to perform in many parades. Then she moved to Washington, D.C. and met the man she eventually married, Richard Karl Kerekes. Virginia is survived by Richard; as well as her 4 children, Karla Kerekes and her husband Michael Rowe, Kevin Kerekes and his family including 3 daughters (Angela, Nicole and Kayla); Don Kerekes, his wife Angel and their 2 children (Nicholas and Kaitlin); and, Kin Kerekes, the youngest son. She was preceded in death by her mother, Fern Crowley. Virginia affected many people throughout her life. Whether she was working at the newspaper or serving kids lunch at the school, Virginia was known as a giving and loving person who always enjoyed helping people. This was especially true in her volunteer role as a tutor of special needs children at the Inez Science and Technology Magnet School. Most remarkable, Virginia returned to college in her 60's and received a Bachelors degree in University Studies in 1996. As a college graduate, she worked in Albuquerque at McKinley Middle School assisting children to learn to read. She kept busy all her life with various hobbies and interests. This included nurturing a variety of living things including plants and pets. Virginia was an artist throughout her life, painting for many years, and continuing to do crafts even during her years with dementia. Her last minutes alive were spent participating in a sing-a-long. When she was no longer able to care for herself, she was lovingly cared for by her family, especially her daughter Karla, and the staff at the Center for Ageless Living in Los Lunas. Thanks to the wonderful staff at the facility, she was lovingly cared for which added much joy and comfort to her final years. Services were held at Riverside Funeral Home in Albuquerque on Sunday, July 5, 2009 at 3 p.m. In Virginias' memory, friends are encouraged to take a few minutes to improve the life of an older adult or make a contribution to their local chapter of Alzheimers Association.
        Published on: Mon July 06, 2009