LOWVILLE, NY – Celia Ruth Virkler, 83, formerly of Croghan, peacefully passed this life Monday morning, March 18, 2019, at Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility.
Born Nov. 23, 1935, in New Bremen, a daughter of the late Leslie and Harriet M. (Crouse) Beck, Sr., she attended Beaver River Central School.
She was united in married with Lowell Richard Virkler on Sept. 5, 1953, in Castorland.
The couple owned and operated a dairy farm on the Kirschnerville Road in Croghan for 25 years. They also owned and operated a sugarbush for many years.
They were blessed with three children, Linda, Loren and Linette. Celia and Lowell hosted many dinners and gatherings for family and friends at their farm, at the sugarbush, at the lake and “at the creek” over the years.
Upon retiring from the farm, the couple moved to a home on Route 812 in Croghan and later spent many years together in their apartment at Steepleview Courts. Celia joined her husband at the Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility in 2016. Celia’s beloved husband Lowell passed away on Dec. 22, 2017. They celebrated 64 years of marriage and were an unwavering example of devotion for their children and grandchildren.
Her love for the Lord and her love for her family will long be remembered. Celia was a long time faithful member of the Croghan Apostolic Christian Church.
Surviving are her two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda (Floyd Jr.) Graves of Croghan; Linette (Joseph) Bush of Lowville; her grandchildren, Holly (Joseph) Aucter, Hope Graves, Brian (Danielle) Graves, Buffy (Kevin) Pelo, Bradley (Bryn) Virkler, Jay Virkler, Daniel Virkler, Ambrose (Alyssa) Bush and Amos (Racheal) Bush; “Mema Celia” will be greatly missed by her many beloved great grandchildren; her sister, Helena Clarke, Utica; brother-in-law Carl Lahah, Boonville; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Beck, California; Beverly Beck, Utica; Patricia Beck, Whitesboro; Janet Beck, Croghan; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Lowell R. Virkler, her son Loren Lowell Virkler, her five brothers, Howard Beck, who died in infancy, Leslie Beck, Jr., Robert Beck, James Beck, Louis Beck; her three sisters who died in infancy, Sarah (Celia’s twin), Mildred, and Helena May Beck; her sister, Sandra Beck, who died at age eight; her sisters, Lois (Fred) Cardinal, Joyce Rowsam, Darlene Lahah, and brother-in-law, Herb Clarke.
Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Sundquist Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2019, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Croghan, with ministers of the church officiating. Spring burial will be in Apostolic Christian Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the wonderful nursing staff at the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility for their compassionate care as well as to the many friends who took the time to visit with Celia during her time there.
An online message of condolence may be made at www.sundquistfh.com
