Virginia B. Burnham

BURNHAM, Virginia B.
of Parchment Virginia Belle Bayn Burnham, passed away December 4, 2011. She was born September 1, 1922 in Grass Lake, Michigan to the late Harold and Nellie Sutton Bayn. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1940. On March 20, 1942 Virginia married Daniel E. Burnham who survives. Virginia and Daniel have six children who also survive: Dan and Kathy Burnham of Plainwell, Toni and Augie Otero of New Mexico, Pam and Steve Scheick of Portage, Dennis and Cindy Burnham of Kalamazoo, Jeff and Sue Burnham of Three Rivers and Tim and Mary Burnham of Otsego. Also surviving are 34 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Virginia is survived by siblings, Wilma and Bob Raymer, Bill and Janet Bayn, Ruth Bayn and Julia and Wyland Gibbs; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law Ken Wiers and Jim Fankhauser; and sister-in-law Shirley Burnham. Preceding Virginia in death are siblings Harold and Vicki Bayn and Don Bayn; and in-laws Marie and Walt Staley, Bob and Ruth Burnham, Dale Burnham, Norma Wiers and Donna Fankhauser. Virginia was employed by Michigan Bell Telephone Company as an operator for over 33 years. She enjoyed her work, was active in Bell Pioneers and retired in 1982. Husband and wife, Dan and Virginia, started Dan's Auto Body Inc. in 1959 in Plainwell, Michigan. She served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for 50 years. Together, Virginia and Dan were unstoppable. Virginia loved her family and spent as much time as possible with her husband, children and grandchildren. Virginia and Dan loved to dance together. From the first time they met until their late 80's, they would clear the dance floor with their dancing grace and skills. In later years, Virginia enjoyed taking photos and looking at family pictures and albums. Family will greet friends on Friday, December 9th, from 2-4 and 6-8PM at Langeland Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, and Saturday, December 10th from 2-3PM prior to services at 3:00PM, also at the Memorial Chapel. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. We are indebted to the nurses and doctors at Bronson Hospital for the care, compassion and kindness extended to Virginia Burnham and family in the last days of her life.