Virginia Ruth (Watkins) Watkins-Grohe

Virginia Ruth Watkins-Grohe, of St. James, MO, and formerly of Cuba, MO, was born on Tuesday, April 12, 1932, in Fayetteville, AR, to Richard and Juanita Watkins (nee Pierce). She passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Silverstone Skilled Nursing & Rehab in Rolla, MO, at the age of 92 years, 2 months, and 26 days.

Virginia, known affectionately as "Ginny" or "Gina," lived a rich and wonderful life, traveling the world and teaching English in Iran. After Iran, she and her first husband Charles “Chick” moved to California, where she taught third and fourth grades while assisting Chick in observing and documenting astronomical discoveries. In Arizona, they owned and operated a successful photography and portrait studio. Gina was also an active alumnus for her alma mater, Northern Arizona University.

Throughout her life, Gina formed many cherished relationships. She was an educator at Cuba Schools and obtained a Degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) from Fontbonne University where she applied her skills in rehabilitating the veterans at the Veteran’s home in St James. Her dedication to education and her students was unwavering, making a significant impact on the lives of many.

In the late '90s, Gina visited Heinrichshaus Winery in St. James, where she met Heinrich Grohe. The two fell in love and married in July of 2000. Gina enjoyed helping Heinrich “Poppy” around the winery, assisting with wine tastings, and hosting two wine festivals each year.

Gina was a co-founding member of the Black Bra Society, where she and her friends Barb Ramey, Jackie Brenton, Doreen, Mackey, and many others gathered and enjoyed life to the fullest. She was known for her vibrant personality, adventurous spirit, and deep love for all living creatures.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Juanita Watkins; her grandmother; her first husband, Charles F. Capen; and her siblings.

Gina is survived by her devoted husband of 24 years, Heinrich Grohe of St. James, MO; her children, Mars Capen of Ruidoso, NM, Rigel Capen of Cuba, MO, and Rex (Sandi) Capen of Springfield, MO; her grandchildren, Rylie and Lyzzi Capen of Springfield, MO; sister Margret of St. Louis, MO; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation was from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, MO. The funeral service immediately followed at 12:00 PM and was live-streamed on Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, MO's Facebook page. Burial was at the Solace Lockes Capen Family Cemetery in Cuba, MO.

Virginia Ruth Watkins-Grohe was beloved by all who knew her and loved all she knew. She lived a life full of love, adventure, and dedication, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories and impactful contributions to education and her community.

Everyone who knew Gina knows she was a best friend to all living creatures. In lieu of flowers, donations were suggested to Cuba Animal Shelter or to ASPCA in Gina's memory.

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