Obituary of Virginia Ann Elms

HUDSON - Virginia Ann “Ginny” (Werntz) Elms, 87, went Home to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on November 15, 2020. Her legacy spans more than 60 years of faithful service to her Lord, her family, her church and her friends. She leaves her husband of 63 years, William “Bill” Elms; son, John W. Elms; daughter. Elizabeth Ann (James) Bascom; granddaughters, Kathryne and Kristen Bascom, who affectionately called her “Nana”; brother Benedict L. (Diane) Werntz and their children, Donna (Ted) Demski; Ben Werntz; and Kathryn (Chris) Mitchell. In her own words, the greatest joy in her life was her relationship with her beloved granddaughters. Still, she loved and enjoyed all the children God brought into her life, sharing many special moments as an adopted grandmother or aunt -- never missing a chance to read them a favorite story. Virginia loved literature, hymns, gardening, miniatures and genealogy. Born to Benedict L. and Kathryne Snyder Werntz, in Philadelphia, PA on September 17, 1933, Virginia bragged of sharing her birthdate with both her husband and daughter! Shortly after marrying and moving to Ohio in 1962, she became a member of The Chapel in Akron, where she taught Sunday School, led Bible studies, and taught English to internationals. Most recently, she worshipped at Grace Presbyterian PCA in Hudson. Teaching was in Virginia’s blood. A graduate of Millersville State Teachers College in Millersville, PA, “Mrs. Elms” was known in the Akron area as a passionate grade school teacher at Chapel Hill Christian School for 23 years. She considered this her dream job and, after retiring in 1989, she continued as a substitute teacher and spelling bee coordinator for another 12 years. Retirement also brought travel opportunities for Virginia and Bill, as they explored the world, including Israel, Russia and Alaska. Virginia’s support of missionaries was lived out through decades of fundraising with Wycliffe Associates, acting as president of the Greater Akron Chapter. A highlight of her life was serving as a teacher for Wycliffe Bible Translators on a short-term mission trip to Papua New Guinea in 1999. She enjoyed gardening and the many wonderful friendships she made as a member of the Presidential Park Gardeners for 52 years. Virginia also counted among her friends the loving neighbors on Whippoorwill Trail in Stow, Ohio, where she lived for 44 years before moving to Laurel Lake Retirement Community. Donations may be made in Virginia’s memory to her favorite mission organization, Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862, 1-800-992-5433, www.wycliffe.org/donate. Please designate the gift is in memory of Virginia; you may include the Elms family address if you would like Wycliffe to send a card. Virginia will be honored in a memorial service at a future date.