Virginia Babnick IsraelVirginia Babnick Israel, 82, completed her earthly journey when she died peacefully at the Bee Hive Homes on Monday, December 21, 2009, after a long struggle with Parkinsons.Virginia was born October 20, 1927 in Wilton, ND. Her family soon moved to Black Diamond, WA, where her father worked in the coal mines. She always loved returning to the bakery that baked the breads in the old coke ovens.Later, she moved to Auburn, WA, where she attended school. Right after graduating, she got a job for Pacific Northwest Bell, where she worked for 37 years.She loved her trips to Europe and Switzerland. She also learned the German language and enjoyed collecting German made products.At the age of 70, Virginia decided to move to the Bitterroot Valley in MT and build a new home so she could be closer to her daughter and granddaughter and family.She was an extraordinary individual who was gracious, witty and a talented cook. Virginia also had a life-long love for her pets, especially her cats.She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom Steele, her parents, Joe and Anne Babnick and her brother, Ted. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Meisner and husband Gene of Florence, MT; her granddaughter, Sharon Bishop and husband Ron of Missoula, MT, and 3 great grandchildren, Austin, Jazzlynn and Jetta.Special thanks to the Bee Hive Home for their loving care and attention. Arrangements under the care of Garden City Funeral Home.

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