Belva Virginia Robertson, 98, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Homestead Assisted Living in Russell.
Virginia was born January 20, 1925, to Lee and Opal (Armstrong) Buck on the family farm in Smith County, Kansas. She attended high school at Smith Center, Kansas and Central College in McPherson, Kansas, where she received her degree in 1942. She continued her education at Fort Hays State College, majoring in Elementary Education.
Virginia’s teaching career began in a one room school in Smith County. She later taught elementary students in Smith Center, Paradise, Kansas, Waldo, Kansas, and Russell, totaling 48 years. Many of her students were of a second and third generation. She treasured contact with past students and keeping up with their lives.
Virginia married Clifford L. Robertson on April 25, 1946, in Smith Center. They moved to Paradise and remained there until 1965 when they moved to Russell. She lived independently until 2018.
Virginia’s surviving family include her daughter, Janise Cotton and husband Scott of Lexington, Kentucky; son, Jerry Robertson and wife Cindy of Spring Hill, Kansas; six grandchildren, Jordan, Lindsay and Haley Robertson, Ben, Bryce and Von Cotton; sister, Betty Ayres of Sommanish, Washington; brothers, Von Buck of Colfax, Washington and Robert Buck of Yakima, Washington.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband Cliff in 2004, brother Bernard Buck, and sister, Marilee McLaughlin.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Russell City Cemetery. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial has been established with Simpson Elementary School in Russell.
Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.