(1932-2026)

Mildred Virginia Holecek, 94, of Russell, Kan., died on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Virginia was born on April 22, 1932, in Tribbey, Okla., the daughter of James Franklin and Cleo Beatrice (Thompson) Judy. She grew up in Oklahoma and eventually moved to Ellsworth, Kan., and graduated from Ellsworth High School. She was united in marriage to Dick Holecek on Aug. 19, 1950, in Ellsworth. From this union, Virginia and Dick raised five children: Debbie, Douglas, Darin, Dawn and Dan. They made their home in Ellsworth, Holyrood, Lucas and Russell. Virginia was a full-time wife, mother and homemaker and worked hard to make sure every member of the family was loved and cared for. She was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in Russell. She enjoyed needlework, painting and cake decorating. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her husband and children, and especially enjoyed taking care of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Virginia’s surviving family include daughters Debbie Kaupp (Lynn), Barboursville, W.V.; and Dawn Spiker (Bill), Cincinnati, Ohio; sons Doug Holecek (Roxanne), Salina, Kan.; and Darin Holecek (Cindy), Ellsworth, Kan.; brother in-law Harold Holecek, Greensboro, N.C.; and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick on March 23, 2021, and son Dan Holecek.

Cremation has been selected by the family. A graveside memorial service to celebrate Virginia’s life will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at the Old Ellsworth City Cemetery in Ellsworth, Kan. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the arrangements.