On Aug. 7, 2016 Mansfield, Ohio lost a legendary lady. A lady who stridently advocated for her community and all that it stands for.
Virginia Imhoff, 90 of Mansfield, passed away in her beloved hometown of Mansfield. She was born on Jan. 21, 1926 in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio to the late John and Dora Marion. She moved here as a child with her parents and brother Nicholas Marion,who preceded her in death.
At that time no one would have known the wonderful legacy she would leave to this area. She was a civic leader, she championed many great causes for Richland County, and was able to walk that fine line of political parties to help get things completed efficiently and correctly. Virginia was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, Class of 1944.
She then went on to graduate from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor Degree in Education. She used that degree to begin a thirty-two year career with Mansfield City Schools, teaching English and World History, but spent most of her career at Senior High as a guidance counselor, specializing in college placement.
She was so respected in her advising that the College Board of Princeton, New Jersey asked her to serve as a special advisor. She instilled independence in her students, and in her own children. She went on to work in the Administrative Offices at Mansfield City Schools. She also worked in the Development Office of St. Peter’s Catholic School, and later served as the Director at Discovery School.
She just had a true passion for service, and it was evident in all she did. Virginia was active with the Mansfield Memorial Homes Board, and the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society. She also served our community on the Mansfield/Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, The Children’s Theatre Foundation, Richland Carrousel Park, New Beginning’s Auxiliary Board, Foundation Board of North Central State College, Richland County Economic Development, advisory boards to OSU and other universities to name a few. Her life of service revolved around three core components, family, church, and Mansfield.
A Republican and former Mansfield City Council President, Virginia stood behind and worked with many of our local and state leaders regardless of political affiliation – they knew her by name, she was their friend. Mansfield has benefitted from the community service of Virginia, and she will be deeply missed. She will be missed for her caring nature, her strong will that seemed to rally everyone and her independence.
Surviving is her son and daughter in law, John H. (Catherine) Imhoff and her daughter Michele M. Imhoff; her grandchildren, Àaron, Hayley and Mia Imhoff; a niece, Nicki (George) Bazaco; her nephew, Michael Marion; her great niece, Christa (Paul) Dagley; a great nephew, Michael (Sarah) Bazaco; a great niece, Amanda Marion; her great-great nephew, Dylan Dagley; and her seventh boxer, Lady.
A Memorial Mass, celebrating the life of Virginia will be held on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 104 West 1st Street, Mansfield, Ohio. A gathering of family and friends to share stories and fellowship will follow at the Life Celebration Reception Center, 129 South Main Street, Mansfield, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to any of the above organizations in which Virginia was involved. Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the Imhoff Family.
