Virginia C. Bollinger

Virginia “Smokey” Catherine Bollinger (Conley)

Born December 14, 1927 departed this life October 12, 2018 fully embraced by her family. Proceeded in death by her son Butchie, her parents Michael and Mildred Conley, and siblings John, Ruth, Don (Lois), Margaret “Sis”, Millie (Don) Harvey, and Mary-Jean Simpson. She is survived by her husband James Bollinger (92); sister Wanda (Dale) Grier; daughter Sandy Biren, grandchildren Jason and Robbie, and great-grandchild Malachi; and son James “Jimmy” Bollinger and wife Evelyn, grandchildren Holly (John) Mathews, twins Heidi and Ashley; along with her many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors and her buddy Bethy.

 Smokey was born in Dudley, PA where she grew up alongside the love of her life, James. They were married February 8, 1950 and moved to Barberton, OH to raise their family. She was hard working and generously kind. Together with her husband they built their home by hand. She worked at Sun Rubber for 14 year and as a nurse’s aide in Barberton Citizen Hospital for 30 years. In retirement, she spent her time raising her grandchildren and inviting everyone to her dinner table. She took life head on and lived everyday day of her 90 years to the fullest.

She is dearly miss and her memory is held close to the hearts of her loved ones. They will live every day to honor the many life lessons she taught. Her family will continue to gather around home cooked meals and to lend a helping hand to those who ask. In lieu of flowers or gifts, her family asks that a donation is made to the Wounded Warrior Project to assist our nations veterans.

“When I come to the end of the day, and the sun has set for me.

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love we once shared- Miss me but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take, and each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the makers plan, a step on the road to home. 

When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds- Miss me but let me go.”

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