Virginia Kula

Virginia A. Kula was a caring mother, proud grandmother and faithful friend. If at first she came across as being stern, it was more likely her firm belief system at work, and it was only a matter of time before people witnessed her delightful personality. Constantly helping people in need, Virginia never sought recognition for it. Content with who she was and what she had, she lived her life in quiet devotion to others.

Virginia was born June 4, 1929 in Conklin, Michigan to William and Anna (Doengis) Rauber. Just a few months later, the U.S. stock market crashed and countries around the world experienced long years of scarcity. Families were forced to live frugally and rely on what mattered most: faith and family.

Sacrifices were made and parents willing did what they could to better the lives of their children. When Virginia was still a child, the family moved to California for a few years in an attempt to relieve her rheumatic fever. Upon returning to Grand Rapids, Virginia and her two sisters attended West Side Christian School and Union High School.

Over the years, Virginia worked several part time jobs, including cleaning, babysitting, and working at Meijer store. Yet much of her time was spent caring for people on a voluntary basis. If somebody needed help, Virginia was right there.

When Virginia met Robert Kula and the two decided to get married, they set the date for August 1. What better gift! The newlyweds were very happy and they did everything together, spending most of their time with family and a few close friends.

Virginia and Robert’s life was made complete with the birth of their son, Richard. True to her character, Virginia attended to Dick in selfless ways. She tried her best to be at all his school events, which was quite an effort since she had to take the bus because she didn’t drive for many years. As a family, the Kula’s traveled around the beautiful state of Michigan in a camping trailer, but most often they settled in the area of Big Rapids. They later purchased land and built a cottage near Big Crooked Lake.

Marriage and family suited Virginia well. She organized their home in a way that made sense to her. For example, papers were filed, not necessarily all in the same place, but she knew where everything was. The house was immaculately clean and filled with her handiwork—crocheted blankets, afghans, dolls and doilies. Virginia took a lot of pride in her home, and together with Robert, her perfectionist streak was well matched. Outdoors, Virginia enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables, making the family’s hard earned money stretch a little farther.

Any additional time Virginia had in a day was spent helping others. She was the kind of person who assisted in the background. She never got recognition, nor did she want it. In the extreme, she didn’t want to accept help from anyone. She just went about her duties in ways that put others first. That included animals.

Virginia loved animals, often bringing pets into her home that needed attention. Animals in need—be they dogs, cats, rabbits, birds—seemed to find her. She never turned one away, rather she took the animal in herself or made sure it got the help it needed to recover. Most recently, Virginia appreciated the companionship of her cats. They were her life, and they helped her feel like she could still take care of others.

Among her many talents, Virginia loved to play the organ. She had one in her home, and for several years, she played at Lutheran churches in Grand Rapids where the family attended. As a woman of faith, she was solid in her convictions, she enjoyed reading biblical Psalms, and she supported charity work, most notably the ministry of Billy Graham.

When Virginia’s husband passed away in 1996, she was determined to remain at home.

Fiercely independent (even stubborn), she not only wanted to do things for herself, she also refused help from others. In 2008, her health began to decline, yet she only spent the last eight days of her life in the hospital. Her deteriorating health would have prevented her from ever living independently as she wanted, and she passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2010.

Virginia was a woman of faith, who cared deeply and lived contentedly. She lived modestly and simply, believing it was her joy and her duty to serve the needs of those around her. Whether friends or family, neighbors or animals, they all got her attention. In helping others, she never wanted anything in return. She loved her family. She thrived on independence, even as she focused on everyone else.

Mrs. Virginia A. Kula, age 81 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and by her sisters, Louise Haight and Aileen Mix. Virginia is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dick and Linda Kula; granddaughters Pat and Jenny Kula; and great granddaughter Kristen. A service to celebrate Virginia’s life will be held on Saturday, August 14 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW, where friends may visit with her family on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Saturday from 10 AM until the time of the service. Burial in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Kent County are appreciated. To read more, to share a memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com