Virginia Mae Shank

Virginia M. (Blamer) Shank

    Keyser, WV - Virginia M. (Blamer) Shank, 100, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 9, 2025 with her daughter Barbara by her side.

     Born on January 4, 1925 in Keyser, Virginia was the daughter of the late Charles E. Blamer, Sr. and Irene (Harvey) Blamer. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Pfc Walter L. Byford, (killed in WWII) and Robert C Shank (to whom she was married to for 62 years); an infant son; grandson, Randall A. Biser; great-grandson, Charles T. Shank, and brothers, Charles E. Blamer, Jr. and Fred H. Blamer.

     Virginia attended Keyser High School and Cage School of Beauty Culture in Cumberland, MD and worked at King’s Beauty Shop. Later she and her husband Bob owned and operated the Thrift Quality Market in Keyser for twelve years.

    She was a faithful member of Calvary United Methodist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, and member of many committees. Virginia was always happy to help with any church activity, volunteered at Heartland Nursing Home for thirteen years, and was a member of America Legion Boyce Houser Post #41 Auxiliary and Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

    Bob and Virginia purchased a home in Bradenton, FL after he retired, and they spent seventeen happy winters there. Always loving music (and playing piano), she especially enjoyed the clubhouse church services and hymn sings.

    Left to cherish her memory are her children Barbara (Byford) Biser, Lindy (Carol) Shank, Todd Shank and Jerry (Terri) Shank; grandchildren, Rick (Rhonda), Jennifer, Derek (Samantha), Ryan, Kyle (Brittany), Madison, Catina, and CJ (Jaci). She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Dustin (Jessica), Allison, Stella, Emma, Jade, Avery, Quinn, and River. She had two precious great-great granddaughters: Madison and Kennedy.

    Virginia was a good friend to all who knew her and especially loved Bette Elser, Delores Urice and Geneva Delawder. She enjoyed going to church and out to lunch on Sundays with Delores, Geneva, Robin and Joan.

     Pallbearers for the service will be Rick Biser, Dustin Biser, Derek Shank, Kyle Shank, John Campbell, and Nelson Guerin.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 297, Keyser, WV 26726 or the Keyser Senior Center, 793 New Creek Hwy, Keyser, WV 26726.

     Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 13, 2025, 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm at the Markwood Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the Calvary United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Beth Jacobson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Interment will follow in Potomac Memorial Gardens, Keyser.

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