Virginia “Jinnie” Peterson Myers, 8/27/1930 to 7/17/2013

She was a dearly loved wife, mother, daughter, aunt, niece, sister, sister-in-law and friend.

She is survived by Bob Myers, her husband of 57 years; 4 children: John (Uta) Myers, Beth (Scott) Dickerhoff, Marty Myers, and Paul (Lela) Myers; 9 grandchildren: Noah Haas, Jake (Nicky) Dickerhoff, Ben (Lindsay) Dickerhoff, Zach Dickerhoff, Abby Dickerhoff, Kevin Pappas, Deme Myers, Matt Myers, and Luke Myers; and 4 great grandchildren (Griffin, Jo, Ollie, and Ella Dickerhoff). She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Philippi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Cordula Peterson, and 4 siblings: Harriet (Ken) Imrisik, Ralph (Joy) Peterson, Jane (Bill) Crawford, and Franklin (Carol) Peterson.

She went to Bristol Elementary School in Webster Groves, graduated from Webster High School in 1948, and took classes at both Washington University and Harris Teacher’s College.

In high school, she played the bassoon and loved competing in sports, especially field hockey and swim team.

In the early 1940’s due to the war and the shortage of men available for summer jobs, she was able to become a very young lifeguard at Maplewood Pool. It was there that she began swimming competitively. She reached a high level of competition, even training and swimming against an Olympian. She was a chairman for the AAU Synchronized Team, and was instrumental in bringing synchronized swimming to St. Louis. She later taught swim lessons at Missouri School for the Blind and coached a summer synchronized swim team in Rolla, Missouri.

After high school, she worked in Residential Sales for Union Electric. While raising her family, she worked part-time as a bookkeeper for Myers, Keller, and Byers in St. Louis, and for Alfermann and Haines in Rolla, Missouri. She was also a Real Estate Agent in Rolla, Missouri.

She first met Bob Myers when they were both juniors in high school, but did not date each other until 6 years later. Their first date was a picnic at Babler State Park, and they were married about 2 years later. Throughout their marriage they demonstrated a deep love, respect and commitment to each other, and to Christ. They were wonderful role models for their children, friends, and family.

It was not hard to understand Jinnie’s priorities: faith, family, and friends.

She was a life-long Missouri-Synod Lutheran. She was baptized and confirmed at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Webster and married at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood. She raised her children at Messiah Lutheran Church and School in St. Louis and at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Rolla, Missouri. She and Bob continued to be members of Immanuel Lutheran in Rolla. She actively lived her faith by volunteering within her church and community, often in leadership positions. But more important to her than membership in any church or club was her everyday walk with Christ though prayer, devotions, and the choices she made.

As the 5^th of 6 children born to Ralph and Cordie Peterson (delivered on the bathroom floor, she liked to tell people), she was a feisty little sister who often pestered her older siblings. As she matured, her energy was channeled in to sports and other activities. When her brothers and sisters married and had families, she loved to be the “fun” aunt who spoiled her nieces and nephews, just as a beloved Aunt Dorothy had done for her while she was growing up. She even continued spoiling the next generation of great nieces and nephews.

Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were her crown jewels. Her job as mother to John, Beth, Marty, and Paul was a top priority. Her ultimate goal was to raise children who were “independent Christian citizens”, and she taught them about the importance of faith, values, and strong work ethic. She loved doing fun things with them too, like camping and swimming and anything involving the out-of-doors. She encouraged their participation in extracurricular activities such as sports and Scouts, taking on the coordinator role at times. She took them to the St. Louis Arch the first weekend it opened and also to 6 Flags Over Mid America the second weekend it was opened. She loved meeting her kids’ friends and getting to know them. Family dinners – whether it be a special occasion, holiday, or just an everyday weekday meal – were an important time of connection for her and her family. Friends were always welcomed.

She especially enjoyed her grandkids, and tried to attend as many of their games, performances, celebrations, and graduations as possible. She treasured one-on-one times together, especially the overnights and vacations she and Granddad shared with them. She was proud of each of them, and looked forward to watching them and their children grow.

She had many friends. It was hard not to enjoy being a friend to her, as she strongly believed that “to have friends, you have to be a friend”. She was loyal, encouraging, and fun to be around. She belonged to multiple church groups, choir, PTL, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Kappa Delta sorority. It was important to her to stay in contact with those she loved, in all aspects of her life. Up until her death, she was she still meeting once a month with girls from her grade school Girl Scout Troop!

Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, playing bridge, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and taking excessive amounts of family group pictures.

A memorial will be held at Laclede Groves Chapel (723 S. Laclede Station Road) in Webster Groves on Friday, July 19^th at 1:30 pm.

Burial and celebration of her life will be held in early September, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 801 W.11^th Street, Rolla, MO 65401.