Virginia May Hardeman Blackley

Virginia May Hardeman Blackley, 98, passed away Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at Lenoir Woods.

Virginia was born Sep. 15, 1917, in New Martinsville, W.Va. She spent most of her life in Leavenworth, Kan., and Shawnee Mission, Kan., and lived most recently in Columbia. Her parents were Grace Arminta Hardeman and Lyman Lynch Hardeman.

Virginia had a lifelong interest in the arts and was recognized as a talented Midwestern artist. Locally, she was well known for her paintings of the mule mascots of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Her painting of the original mule team, Hilda and Louise, in front of the University of Missouri columns was featured on the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Mrs. Blackley was a member of the Methodist church in Shawnee Mission, Kan.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail Lynn Blackley Carson (Andy) of Columbia; son Ronald Lewis Blackley (Carol) of Overland Park, Kan.; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Herman Blackley; three brothers; and a sister.

Virginia's family wishes to thank and acknowledge all of the staff at Lenoir Woods for their loving and compassionate care over the past 14 years and the wonderful hospice staff that cared for her toward the end of her life.

Virginia Blackley's portrait of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine's original mule team, Hilda and Louise.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Funeral arrangements will be made by Amos Funeral Home in Shawnee, Kan.