My name is Ben Harrison and I am 34 years old and live in the Quad Cities with my wife Brooke and sons Carter (5) and Beckham (2). I got to know Virginia through Kenny Lindley. Kenny is a close family friend and I have deer and turkey hunted with Kenny for nearly 15 years. Kenny’s property neighbors Dale and Virginia’s property and through their kindness, they would let us hunt their land as well.

What I am remember the most about Virginia was her genuine delight in my successes of hunting and her generosity. She and Dale were always so generous to let me hunt there and I could tell they were rooting for me to succeed even though they fed the deer which I always thought was ironic :). Every time I was able to harvest a deer or turkey on their property they were thrilled for me. This past spring I was able to take Carter, my 5 year old son, turkey hunting with me. We had an absolute blast on Dale and Virginia’s property and made so many memories that we will forever have. I was also very pleased Carter was able to meet Virginia as we prayed for Dale and Virginia each night after they became ill. We got a fantastic picture of Carter and Virginia on that trip and Carter was very sad to hear of her passing.

Well, I can’t end this memory on a sad note, so I will share a fun memory of Virginia! Almost every year I have hunted on their property, I could always count on Virginia to come roaring up the lane driving the 4-wheeler with her hair flying around in the wind on her way to get the mail. I couldn’t believe how fast she would go!! She was a definite go getter and I could tell she lived life to the fullest and was always ready to have a good time.

Virginia (and Dale) was a fantastic person and will be truly missed.

Ben Harrison