Virginia Lee Reidenbaugh

May 20th, 1933 - November 6th, 2024

Virginia Lee Reidenbaugh passed away November 6, 2024, at the age of 91. She was born in
Spokane, Washington, one of six children (two boys and four girls) of Roland and Leurene
Wilburn.

Her life started in Spokane and the family remained in Washington until early 1941, when they
moved to Riverside, California. She married Richard Birkett in 1953, and their family grew to
include two sons and a daughter. Dick was in the Air Force, and they spent a few years in
Texas, then moved back to Riverside. He left the service, and the family moved to Arcadia.

During this time, she worked and attended school, earning a degree in graphic design, which
led to a position at Pacific Bell where she spent several years and eventually retired.

She married Fred Reidenbaugh in 1985 and enjoyed eighteen years of marriage until his
passing in 2003. They traveled, spent time with friends and especially enjoyed time with family. She and her sister Pat were inseparable, always talking about family, and traveling together from time to time.

More recently she shared her life with Gene Brophy, who was a long-time friend from Riverside. They lived in Riverside and enjoyed playing cards and making the occasional trip to visit friends.

Virginia had a love for art. She attended art classes for several years, where she learned
techniques and worked closely with successful artists. Still life’s were her focus originally, but
she really enjoyed drawing and painting people. She was well known for drawings using
colored pencils and paintings. Her favorite subjects were her grandchildren as they were
growing up. These paintings have become family heirlooms as she captured their spirit and joy.

Her strength was evident in many ways. She was a single parent for several years, working and
going to school. During Laura’s illness, she spent many hours talking with doctors and
conducting research for potential cures. She always showed loving support for her family. She
enjoyed laughing, being active, and helping others. Whenever there was a family event, she
always brought a meal, perhaps a special gift, and talked with everyone.

She is survived by her two sons, Kenneth and Leann Birkett (Redlands, California) and Richard and Theresa Birkett (Post Falls, Idaho), five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.