Virginia Funk

Virginia Belle Funk, age 96, of Sheridan, Montana, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025. Born in Wood River, Illinois, to Clinton and Lyda Smith, Virginia was a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family.

Shortly after graduating high school, Virginia moved with her family to the Sheridan area, where she would build a life filled with hard work and love. On November 26, 1955, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Funk, and together the couple bought a small ranch on Indian Creek Road, where Virginia continued to thrive surrounded by a new family. They were blessed with a son, Tim, instilling in him the values of perseverance and kindness.

A woman of many talents, Virginia worked as Chief of Phone Operations, served as a bookkeeper at Walter's Grocery Store, and sorted rocks at the Cyprus Mine. She was known for her sharp wit, her tireless work ethic, and her deep love for her family. Whether tending to the ranch, sharing stories of her many adventures, or simply offering a listening ear, she touched the lives of all who knew her.

After Kenneth's passing, Virginia moved to Green River, Wyoming, with her son, Tim, and grandson, Xavier. There, she embraced retirement, finding special joy in watching her grandson Xavier grow and welcoming his little girl, her great-granddaughter Lula into the world.

In 2016, Virginia and Tim returned to Sheridan, the place she always considered home. Her later years were spent doing what she loved most-fishing, relaxing in the mountains at the family's special picnic area, and visiting with cherished friends who brought her so much happiness.

Virginia's strength, work ethic, and devotion to family will forever be remembered. She leaves behind a legacy as enduring as the Mountain lands she loved. Rest in peace, our dear Ginny.

Virginia was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Wanda; her husband, Kenneth; her grandson, Xavier; and her parents. She is survived by her son, Tim Funk; her grandchildren, Chelle Cain (Patrick Brewer), Noah Russell, and Ryan Funk; her great-grandchildren, Levi LeBlanc, Glen Zupfer, Sailor Miller, Violet Miller, Kloe Russell, and Lula Funk; and her siblings, Sue Bigelow and Larry Smith and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Virginia's life will be held September 6th, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 pm at the cherished Funk family picnic grounds. For those needing guidance, the family will gather at Tim Funk's home (25 Indian Creek Road) at 12:45 pm to lead the way to this special location.