H. Virginia Derfelt, age 95 ended her earthly existence and was accompanied by heavenly angels into the presence of the Lord at 10:17 PM, Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Communities of the Wildwoood Ranch, Joplin, MO.
Mrs. Derfelt was born August 5, 1921 in Joplin. Her parents were Major Robert Tyler and Hazel Gladys (Duncan) Tyler. She had lived in Galena since 1943.
She lived her preschool years in Quapaw, OK, but graduated from Joplin High School in 1939. She then entered nursing school with the Sisters of Mercy at the old St. John’s Hospital. She graduated as valedictorian from the nursing program in 1943.
In the fall of 1941, she cared for a patient who was suffering from pneumonia. He ultimately became the love of her life. Their first date was Dec 7, 1941; the day Pearl Harbor was attacked.
She married Roy L. Derfelt on March 16, 1943 in Galena, KS. They joined the family business soon after the war, and owned and operated Derfelt Funeral Home, and ambulance service for several decades. Roy died April 6, 2016. She was also preceded in death by one son-in-law, Gary Hilton, one daughter-in-law, Frankie Derfelt, one sister, and four brothers.
She was a woman with a servant’s heart. Nicknamed the Florence Nightingale of Galena, she provided nursing care to countless people over the years. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Galena, KS serving in many capacities, including Assistant Treasurer, Deacon’s wife, Sunday school teacher, and WMA. She was also a member of the Amy Chapter of Eastern Star and the Galena Woman Club.
Surviving are two sons, John O Derfelt (wife, Imogene), Webb City, MO and Jerry L. Derfelt (wife, Peggy) Galena, KS; two daughters, Molly J. Hilton, Springfield, MO and Mary M Vogel (husband, Fred) Galena; 14 grandchildren, 29 Great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Galena, KS. Pastor Jeff Swart will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, KS.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 -7:00 pm, Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Galena, KS in care of the funeral home.
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