Virginia Betsch died peacefully on February 27, 2021 at Gordon Manor Assisted Living Facility in Redwood City, California.

Born on July 16, 1932 in Sacramento to parents Samuel and Rachel Gilstrap, Virginia shared her childhood with her older brother, Ed, and her younger sister, Nancy. Following high school, Virginia obtained her teaching credential from San Jose State and later her Master's Degree in Reading from Cal State Hayward. Most of Virginia's career was spent in the San Carlos Elementary School District where she was a valued reading specialist and a primary grade teacher at White Oaks School. With her teaching skills and positive approach to learning, Virginia had a great influence on both students and teachers. Virginia also was active in the San Carlos Teachers' Association where through her leadership on the Negotiations Committee, a positive relationship between teachers and the District resulted.

Family was very important to Virginia. When her father died, Virginia had an active role in the life of her mother, Rachel, who came to live in San Carlos. She also loved visiting her aunts Mary (John), Eleanor (Ted) Isabelle (Derward) and Ruth (Glenn), and her uncle Homer in San Diego, traveling there on a regular basis.

Virginia married Paul Betsch in the 1970s where they were married for over 40 years, living to Redwood City. Both Paul and her brother Ed died in 2013, Paul from pancreatic cancer and Ed from Parkinson's disease. Throughout his struggle with Parkinson's, Virginia with Paul played an active role in helping Ed. This encouraged Virginia to become a solid supporter of the Parkinson's Foundation.

Virginia was a loyal friend to many people. In particular, Virginia supported her close friend Barbara Atwood who died from cancer at a young age. Virginia became the mother figure for Barbara's children Marta, Rick, and Lynda, always providing encouragement and guidance. When Marta married Tim Harding, Virginia became the proud grandmother of their daughters, Jillian and Janell, a role she highly valued. The relationship between Virginia and her granddaughters was very close.

When Virginia retired from the San Carlos Elementary School District in the 1990s, she enjoyed traveling. She cruised Alaska with her aunts from San Diego, explored the fall colors on the East Coast with her good friend, Marilyn Kelly, and with Paul frequently enjoyed Marilyn's vacation home in the Sierra Foothills, reading and relaxing among the beautiful trees and spiritual rocks.

In 2014 Virginia became part of the Gordon Manor Assisted Living Facility in Redwood City where she was able to bring her dog, JoJo. Virginia loved living at Gordon Manor where she actively participated in activities, enjoyed the gardens, and made new friends. Virginia always had a smile on her face and was known as the Energizer Bunny since she quickly recovered whenever ill. While at Gordon Manor, Virginia became part of her good friend Marilyn Kelly's family. Marilyn's brother, Jerry, his wife Brenda, their daughter Erin, and their granddaughters Alyssa, Emma, and Brooke visited Virginia often, sharing special times and celebrating birthdays and holidays.

Virginia is survived by her sister Nancy Simpson (Stan), her granddaughters Jillian Elliot and Janell Harding (Alex Price), Todd Elliot, Marta Harding, Tim Harding, and the extended Kelly family.

Virginia has been cremated by Crippen & Flynn, Redwood City (crippenflynn.com). There will be no services.

For donations Virginia's favorite charities include: The San Francisco Academy of Sciences, the Parkinson's Foundation , and Gordon Manor Assisted Living Facility.