Virginia “Ginny” Past, 93, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. Anne’s Retirement Community, after complications from a hip/femur fracture and dementia. She was the wife of the late Donald L. Past to whom she was married for almost 70 years before he passed away on October 23, 2022. She was born in Fargo, ND daughter of the late Raymond G. and Leona Rolle Keller. Virginia was a long-time resident of Ralston and LaVista, Nebraska. A native of North Dakota, Virginia received her RN degree in 1951. She worked as a nurse in Washington State and Grand Forks, ND after graduation. Later in life she worked as an occupational health nurse at Northwestern Bell/Qwest in Omaha and retired in 1990. She and Donald enjoyed playing bridge, travel and family summer vacations at the lake in Minnesota. They were active members of St Gerald Church, Ralston for over 55 years. Virginia was a volunteer for the Omaha chapter of the National League of Families of American Prisoners & Missing in Southeast Asia. Her brother, COL Wendell Keller, an Air Force pilot, was missing in action for 43 years before he was confirmed as killed in action. Along with being a Gold Star sister, Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (also known as Glam-ma to Katy) and great grandmother. We will all miss her so much, especially her beautiful smile.
Virginia is survived by daughters: CAPT (ret) Marilyn Past, Ph.D., USN and Mary (Tim) Rasmussen. Grandchildren: Andrew J.D. (Melanie) Rasmussen; Dan (Lacey) Rasmussen and Katy (Griffin Ph.D.) Schroeder. Three great-grandchildren: Emma Virginia Rasmussen, Charlotte and Alexander Rasmussen. Sisters-in-law: Jacque Carol Keller, Lynn Keller and LaVonne Past. Brother-in-law: Archie Oster. Nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers: COL Wendell Keller, USAF; Raymond Keller and David Keller.
The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses and support staff at St Anne’s (particularly the “rock-stars” who were so kind and compassionate during her final days). Their caring actions will never be forgotten.
The Memorial Mass and Service will be held at the Omaha National Cemetery on a date to be determined. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Wreaths Across America or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia, PA. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.