Virginia Lee Eklund, 96, of Hutchinson, Kansas, and former Natoma, Kansas, resident, died on Saturday, November 09, 2019, at the Good Samaritan Village in Hutchinson, Kansas. 

Virginia was born on February 28, 1923, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Francis Marion and Louise (Meade) Gookins.  She grew up in Hutchinson and attended local schools in Hutchinson.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Robert Grant Eklund on September 16, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kansas.  From this union, Robert and Virginia were blessed with two sons Ken and Bill.  Robert passed away on September 06, 2003.  Virginia was a homemaker taking care of her husband and sons but also worked part-time as a clerk in a grocery store.  She was a member of the Natoma Methodist Church and a former member of the Eastern Star.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and collecting dolls and toys.  She and Robert also enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Arkansas and Montana.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving family include her sons Ken Eklund and wife Marsha of Clancy, Montana and Bill Eklund and wife Becky of Springdale, Arkansas; 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Virginia was also preceded in death by her 3 brothers, Francis, Bob and Carl Gookins and 3 sisters, Gladys Brown, Charlotte Schlatter and Mary Alice Rush, grandson Matthew Ryan Eklund and great grandson Bryce Matthew Eklund.

A memorial service to celebrate Virginia's life will be held at 10 A.M. on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Mitchell Chapel United Methodist Church in Hutchison, KS.  Graveside services will follow at 3 P.M. Saturday afternoon at the Natoma City Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas.  Cremation has been selected by the family.  Memorials may be given to Kindred Hospice in Hutchinson, Kansas, and can be sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Natoma, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.