Virginia Holste, 97, of Massena

Funeral Services:  Will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Massena with burial in the Victoria Township Cemetery.  A luncheon will be held at the church following the burial.  Pastor Karen Patrick will officiate the service.  The Lamb Funeral Home in Massena is in charge of the professional arrangements.   Online condolences may be left to the family at to be www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Open Visitation:  Will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Massena from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Family Visitation:  The family will greet friends on Tuesday evening at the Lamb Funeral Home in Massena from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Memorials:  May be directed to the Victoria Township Cemetery.

Virginia Rose Holste was born August 17, 1926, the daughter of Edwin Richard and Emma Christena (Olson) Swain at the family home near Massena, Iowa.  She completed her life journey February 3, 2024, at the Corning Specialty Care in Corning, Iowa, at the age of 97, 5 months and 7 days.

Virginia was the youngest of seven children.  Her mother, Emma, died when she was 9 years old, leaving her to be raised by her brothers and father.  She loved being outside, had cats and dogs for pets and was a true “Tom Boy”.  She was at home caring for family as World War II was happening.  On September 19, 1945, she married Ronald Holste where they remained in Victoria Township.  After 15 years they moved to a 2nd farm in Adams County, before returning to the Holste Heritage Farm in 1980.  During this time 5 children were born to complete the family: Richard, Roger, Kristine, Karma and Vickie.  She enjoyed family get togethers, helping on the farm, gardening, canning food, square dancing and being with her church family at St. Peters United Church of Christ.  She was noted to be steadfast in her beliefs.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald in 2008; five brothers, Raymond, Lewis, Albert, Chester and Lester; sister, Amy Bixler; and granddaughter, Danyel Hardisty.

She is survived by her children, Richard Holste (Sue) of Creston, Roger Holste of Massena, Kris Hardisty of Minburn, Karma Green (John) of Corning and Vickie Holste of Gravity; twelve grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.