Virginia Buel

With a journey that spanned over a century of laughter and love, Virginia Buel enriched the lives of all those around her in ways big and small. She faced every challenge that came her way with determination and grace. There was nothing that brought Virginia greater joy than spending time with her friends and family, and her loved ones were undoubtedly her greatest treasure. Her faith was steadfast, exemplified by the way she constantly went above and beyond to serve others. Dearly loved, Virginia will be forever missed and remembered by those who knew her best.

The late 1920s were certainly some of the most influential years in history for the United States. The Roaring 20s, as the decade is known, brought vivid innovation to the nation. Jazz was at the height of its popularity, and radio and film dominated the world of entertainment. During this exciting time, Frank and Lois Marie (Sutton) Beaver of Jonesville, Michigan, were happy to announce the arrival of their new baby. Born in their farmhouse on Cranberry Lake Road, Virginia May made her entrance into the world on June 17, 1925.

Virginia was raised in the family home alongside her brother, Olin. At the young age of ten, Virginia first dealt with tragedy following the tragic loss of her mother. Her father eventually remarried to Cora (Owens) Beaver, who became a mother figure to Virginia and helped raise her and Olin. Throughout her formative years, Virginia attended Hodges Country School and then Jonesville High School. She celebrated her graduation in 1943, eager to see what the future held.

As a young adult, Virginia stepped into the workforce in Lansing, Michigan, with a job working for the Michigan Crippled Children’s Commission. She settled down in her first apartment on Logan Street and was even able to buy her first car. It was while working for the commission that Virginia met Marilyn Geiger, who would become a dear friend. Virginia, Marilyn, and another close friend, Jean Kleinhans, became traveling companions. Their road trip to Yellowstone was especially memorable, even though they only made it to the Black Hills of South Dakota before they had to turn back due to car problems. Their tight-knit bond would last a lifetime. Virginia worked for Sears and Roebuck as well, eventually making her way to Kalamazoo, Michigan.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Virginia as she met Eugene Buel, the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. Deeply in love, the two were married at Second Reformed Church on August 5 of 1960. Virginia and Gene settled down in their home on Nichols Road, ready to begin their lives together. In 1962, were overjoyed to welcome their first son, Everett Alan, into their arms. Virginia and Gene brought their second son, Vernon Lewis, home through adoption in 1967, completing their family. The Buel’s moved to their longtime home on Cherokee in Kalamazoo, where Virginia and Gene raised their boys.

All who knew Virginia will certainly agree that she was never one to shy away from hard work. She thrived in her roles as a mother and a dedicated homemaker. Virginia’s skills in the kitchen shone through her amazing canning, cooking, and baking. She had a talent for keeping her household always running smoothly. Virginia also worked outside the home when needed, helping with seasonal work at Hickory Farms and at a local greenhouse.

An active member within her community, Virginia was a part of many groups at Second Reformed Church. She got involved with the Michigan State Grange and Oshtemo Township Charter. Virginia sang with a Sweet Adelines group for a time. She helped Gene with various activities at local county fairs. The two were charter members at Sandy Pines, where they spent many summers at their trailer with longtime friends they made along the way. Over their many wonderful years of marriage, Virginia and Gene enjoyed dancing together. They celebrated their 25th anniversary with a backyard vow renewal and a two-week trip to Europe in 1985. Just a few years later, Virginia and Gene moved to Leisure Time condominiums.

Virginia considered herself so blessed to watch her family grow to include her grandchildren, Chloe, Olivia, and Grace. She adored her grandkids above all else, and she and Gene began spending their winters in Lake Conroe, Texas, to be closer to the girls. When Gene’s health began to decline, Virginia served as his devoted caregiver until he passed away. In 2016, she moved to Oklahoma City to stay close to her grandchildren. She lived in Town Village and was able to see her granddaughters graduate from high school and college. Virginia was thrilled to become a great-grandmother to Beckham. Watching him brought her so much joy, and his antics could always make her chuckle.

In her free time, Virginia spent many hours researching her family genealogy on both the Beaver and Buel sides. She loved using her sewing skills to create quilts, as well as knitting hats and mittens for children in need. Virginia also enjoyed her cross-stitch needlework and embroidery. Recently, she was able to celebrate her 100th birthday in 2025, officially joining the Centenarians of Oklahoma. Virginia’s favorite way to spend her time was always in the company of friends and family.

As we gather to reflect on the life of Virginia Buel, it is easy to admire a woman so filled with kindness, compassion, and unconditional love. She was a doting wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, savoring every chance to hold her family members and friends close, and her insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those near. Although she is already so greatly missed, Virginia leaves behind a precious collection of memories that her loved ones will carry with them for many years to come.

Viginia May Buel (Beaver) of Oklahoma City, OK, age 100, died on April 27, 2026. She was born on June 17, 1925, in Jonesville, MI, to Frank and Lois Marie (Sutton) Beaver. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, Cora Beaver; husband, Eugene Starr Buel; brother Olin Lewis Beaver; and son Everett Alan Buel. Surviving are her son, Vernon Lewis (Cherish) Buel; granddaughters: Chloe Elise, Olivia Gianna, and Grace Teghan Buel; and a great-grandson, Beckham Crew Boulware.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Wednesday, May 6, from 5 – 7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 7, at 11 AM also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mount Ever Rest Memorial Park North. Celebrate Virginia’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.