Virginia Marie (Hill) Specht, age 99, of Wellston, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at Edgewood Manor in Wellston. She was born April, 29, 1921 in Athens, Ohio to the late Francis Marion (Frank) Hill Jr. and Florence Catherine (Marvene) Baker Hill.
First and foremost, Virginia loved her Lord with all her heart and carried that love on to her family as a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She was a former 20-year employee and line supervisor at Hercules Trouser Company in Wellston, and later on she retired from the State of Ohio for whom she served as a home health aide and foster parent. Following her retirement, Virginia enjoyed spending her winter months in Bradenton Beach, Florida where she managed a local gift shop.
Virginia had many artistic talents, being a self-taught musician (piano and string instruments), painter, author, and, in her own words, “one of the original house flippers of Wellston.” While a foster mother, Virginia formed the Specht family gospel singing group, “the Soul Seekers,” which consisted of Virginia at the piano, her daughter, Kathy, and all of her foster girls (sometimes numbering as many as 14). Together, they traveled to many southern Ohio churches to sing and give thanks.
As painter, Virginia loved to sketch and paint scenes from her childhood here in the Wellston area and of summer scenes in Florida. She loved a good card game with girlfriends (typically Canasta) or with family (Euchre) and was a formidable opponent. Virginia authored a book entitled “From Rejection to Redemption” which chronicled her life as a young girl growing up on a southern Ohio farm during the Great Depression. Over the years, Virginia purchased many “gently worn” homes in the Wellston area and brought them back to life as a hobby and means to use her creativity. Virginia is a current member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston, and several years ago she was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Wellston where she served as Sunday School Director.
Virginia is survived by her son, William E. Specht and wife, Linda, of Wellston; daughter, Kathryn S. Essman and husband, Dr. Joe, of Wellston; grandchildren, Katrina Brooks (Robert), Richard Specht (Dustie), Carrie Holman (Jeremiah), Peter Essman, Christina Sedore (Matthew), and Bethany Essman (Brian Duffy); great-grandchildren, Rachel Brooks, Andrew Brooks, Jacob Specht, Addison Specht, Christian Holman, Jonathon Holman and Eleanor Maria Sedore; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her grandmother who raised her, Della Cordelia Hill; her husband, Donald L. Specht in 1987; beloved infant children, Donald Robert and Donna Marie, brother and sister-in-law Eugene and Cora Hill, as well as several other half and step brothers and sisters.
Due to the COVID pandemic, private services for Virginia will be held for the immediate family and burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with Father Nic Ventura officiating. A memorial service and mass celebrating Virginia’s life will be held at a later date at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be given to the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, 227 South New York Avenue, Wellston, Ohio 45692. Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com