Virginia (Hoppe) Brinegar  March 11, 1923 - January 26, 2012

From a baby girl who was born two months before expected in a simple Alliance, Nebraska home, to an 88 year old matriarch of a thriving family, Virginia showed her tenacity and spunk through her whole life. Married to E. E. "Bud" Brinegar in Phoenix City, Alabama on August 28th, 1942, together they have been prime examples of the Greatest Generation going through the hardships of the 1930's depression and World War II. She gave birth to daughter Sharon on Easter Sunday, April 1st, 1945 while Bud was in Germany, lost son Bruce in 1951 as a result of a crib death, and was honored with the coming of son Clyde on February 5th 1958. She has had the joy of the birth of six grandchildren, and grieved the loss of two grandsons.

Virginia started her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse outside of Hebron, Nebraska at the age of seventeen. As she and Bud journeyed through their 69 year marriage, she worked towards her Bachelors Degree which she finally received from Idaho State University. She taught elementary school at Dixie Redtop School outside of Caldwell, continued her 37 year teaching career in Hailey, Preston, Meridian, and Grand Junction, Colorado, retiring from Southwest Elementary School in Burley, Idaho.

As a survivor of the depression, Virginia felt the need to not have to fear for the next dollar in her pocket, and as a result she created a passion for real estate investment. This became her second career as she delved full heartedly into the rental business.

She and Bud have often been found in their favorite pew at the United Methodist Church in Meridian, and knew their spot for lunch at the Meridian Senior Center. At these and other gatherings throughout her life, she has made lifetime memories and friendships.

Virginia is survived by husband Bud, daughter Sharon, son Clyde (Kathleen), sister Myrtle (Dale) Christensen, grandsons Shane Ostermeier and Mark Brinegar, granddaughters Katy (Peter) Privon, and Keriann Brinegar, along with several loving nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Vinnie Hoppe, brother Harold Hoppe Jr., sister Fern Ruscica, son Bruce, grandson Sean Ostermeier, and grandson Reed Ostermeier.

A service for Virginia is under the direction of Accent Funeral Home and will be held at the Meridian United Methodist Church, with Pastor John Mars officiating, on Monday, January 30th at 10:00 AM. Viewing will take place an hour before the service with interment at the Idaho State Veterans cemetery at 1:00 PM.   Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com

Condolences:

Sender's Name: Doug Rutan
Mrs. Brinegar was my second grade teacher 55 year's ago. I enjoyed seeing her when I would attend church in Meridian when my folks were alive.

Sender's Name: Deborah Steinbacher
Clyde and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your dear mother. Wonderful,kind, thoughtful are words that come to mind when I think of your mom. Behaviors she taught to you and you embody today Clyde! We will all remember her beautiful spirit! God Bless, Deborah Steinbacher class of 76 Burley High

Sender's Name: JOY THOMPSON
What a wonderful lady she must have been, I felt that I knew her from the sweet comments. We know that our loving heavenly father will remember to awaken her from sleep when he resurrects the ones in His memory JOHN 5:28,29.

Sender's Name: Pat Kelsey
My mom, Virginia Kelsey, taught with Virginia for many years at the Southwest School in Burley. She was a kind person and I enjoyed knowing her. I am sorry for your loss. Pat Kelsey, Weiser, Idaho.

Sender's Name: Mary Jane Rasmussen Helms
I have very happy memories of my 3rd grade year spent in Mrs. Brinegar's class. She was a wonderful teacher. May your hearts be comforted during this difficult time. It's hard to lose your mom. May the Lord bless you.

Sender's Name: Bill Parsons
Bev and I were saddened by reading of the passing of Virginia. She was delightful person and we always enjoyed visting with you two. Been a long time since the days with the City. You were a great person to work with. We need more of the Buds in government. We are making a contribution to the Burley Methodist Church. Hope to see you sometime and again are deepest sympathy to you and your family Bill and Bev Parsons

Sender's Name: La Chelle Yates
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Virginia whom I never had the pleasure of meeting personally but am saddened for the loss of all who loved her. I would like to share two passages that have comforted and encouraged me during my times of grief and hope they do the same for you. "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." And the One seated on the throne said: "Look! I am making all things new." Also, he says: "Write, because these words are faithful and true." - Revelation 21:4,5 "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, And they will reside forever upon it." - Psalm 37:29

Sender's Name: Jeni Romney
My Mother Marilyn Gibbons taught school at Southwest with Mrs. Brinegar when I was a young child. I have fond memories of Mrs. Brinegar and Southwest school. My deepest sympathies are with you and may the Spirit of the Lord be with you at this time.

Sender's Name: Ruth Thrall
I am so sorry for your loss, Bud, I know you will miss her, you have many wonderful memories of your many years together. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Sender's Name: Kathi Hof VanderMeer
I had the pleasure of being a student of Mrs. Brinegar in the third grade at Southwest Elementary. She is someone I have never forgotten! Bud, our condolences go out to you and your family at this time. Kathi Hof VanderMeer and Carolin Hof

Sender's Name: Kimberly Whitaker
I want you to know my prayers are with your family at this difficult time. I remember taking pansies to Mrs. Brinegar a lot when I was little. You were fantastic neighbors. It was always nice to see your family stopping and visiting with your parents so often. Family is so important. I liked having my neighbor working at Southwest even though she wasn't my teacher. It was nice to know she could help out with anything if I ever needed it. She was always to sweet and smiling and wanted to catch up on how my life was going even after I left for college. She was always a very kind and thoughtful neighbor.