Virginia M. Bohn

Virginia M. Converse Bohn, 93, of Topeka, Kansas, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2018, in Topeka at Midland Care Hospice.                  The daughter of Merle and Nellie Hunt Converse, Virginia was born on June 22, 1925.  Virginia grew up with 8 siblings on her parents’ farm south of Eskridge, Kansas, influenced by strong family values and trials of the Great Depression, all of which molded her strong character, sense of personal responsibility, work ethic, a zest for life, and blessed her with capacity to laugh, love and feel compassion, guided by the biblical Golden Rule throughout her lifetime. Virginia graduated from Eskridge Rural High School in 1943.  She proudly supported the World War II effort, working at the military supply depot at Forbes Airforce Base south of Topeka.  Virginia attended Kansas State College of Agriculture (now Kansas State University), Manhattan, KS, for 2 years.  With many relatives having been students, faculty, and staff at K-State from its early years to present, her love for KSU and the people there ran deeply. She married Dale E. Bohn on February 12, 1949, in Eskridge.  Together, they built a cattle ranching operation from scratch in the Flint Hills of Wabaunsee County and raised four children.  Having nurtured her children through their formative years, Virginia went to work for the nursing home in Eskridge, and then the USDA Animal Health Department in Topeka, and finally the U.S. Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center in Topeka, retiring in March of 1998 with 19 years of service. Virginia’s husband, Dale, preceded her in death on May 16, 1991.  Surviving are sons, Dale Bohn II, (Edna), Lawrence, KS, Dexter Bohn (Marleen), Brussels, Belgium, and daughters, Jan Rice, Topeka, and Julie Seidl (Edward), Valley Center, KS; grandchildren, Jerrod Bohn, Seattle, WA, Angie Whalen (Phil), Lawrence, Brett Seidl (Kaitlin), Manhattan, Jill Seidl, Manhattan, Victoria Bohn, Brussels, and Alexandria Bohn, Brussels; and brother, Merle Edward Converse (Helen), Helotes, TX.  She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Converse and Verne Converse, and five sisters, Betty Ann Ennis, Faye Brown, Ruth Turnbull, Ramona Warren and Jane McKinley.Virginia was a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Topeka, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.  Right up until her last illness, Virginia usually kept a busy social calendar of activities with family and friends.  She has traveled to Europe, experienced an Alaskan cruise and many cross-country bus tours.  Virginia particularly enjoyed attending the Topeka Civic Theatre and musical presentations at Washburn University. Graveside service at Eskridge Cemetery on Monday, November 12, 2018, at 2:00 PM, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Community Church of Eskridge.  Memorial service at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1821 SW 37th St., Topeka on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 11:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church or the United Church of Eskridge and sent to VanArsdale Funeral Home, 501 E 3rd Ave, Eskridge, KS 66423.