Virginia Iris Whetsler, 97

Virginia Whetsler passed away June 4, 2025, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. She was 97 years old. 

Virginia was born July 30, 1927, in Yoder, Wyoming, to Harry and Violet Robinson, joining a family of four: Harriet, Eugene, Wayne, and Alvin. She attended school in La Grange, Wyoming, the first few years and three more family members were added: Lois, Lee and Neil.

The family moved to Idaho when Virginia was 12 years old and they settled on a nice farm on Highland Flats near Naples, Idaho. About one year later, Pearl Harbor was attacked and the oldest three boys enlisted. Virginia started high school that fall in Bonners Ferry and graduated in 1945 just as the war was ending.

After graduation she worked as a telephone operator. First in Bonners Ferry, then alternating Priest River, Idaho and Ione, Washington as needed. Virginia met and married Dell Whetsler in Priest River, Idaho, in 1947 and they lived in Coolin, Idaho, on Priest Lake until Dell started college, first in Farragut, Idaho, and then at the University of Idaho at Moscow. She worked at the University bookstore until he graduated and Virginia was awarded a P.H.T. degree, (putting hubby through).

In 1953, they moved to Bakersfield, California, where Dell began his teaching career, two children were born: a daughter, Susan in 1956 and a son, John in 1959. They lived there for 50 years until Dell passed away in 2011. Virginia then moved to Bonners Ferry to be closer to her daughter. She has lived in the Restorium for 11 years where she made many friends. 

Virginia is survived by her son, John Whetsler (Lisa); her daughter, Susan Cortez (Charlie); and grandchildren, Tiffany Wentling, Tereysa Cortez, Matthew Cortez, Emily Whetsler, and Brian Whetsler. In addition, Virginia saw 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren born into the family. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Dell and all seven of her brothers and sisters. 

The family would like to thank the Restorium staff for the loving care of our mom for the past 11 years. 

In lieu of flowers, Virginia requested donations to be made to Disabled American Veterans. To leave a message or memory for the family go to bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.