Virginia L. Boutwell

Virginia L. Boutwell, known as Grandma B. to her huge extended family died December 22, 2021. Born on New Year’s Day 1927 to Ralph and Vena Gray in Mt. Carmel Illinois, Virginia lived in Princeton, IN and with her Aunt Callie Desch in Indianapolis growing up until graduating from Mt. Carmel High School in 1945.

Virginia took a job at the Indiana Department of Public Welfare after graduation. It was while doing a special program for the Civil Defense at Stout Field, she met Major Allie V. Boutwell. They married in 1953 and began raising 5 children. Virginia became a precinct committee woman during the 1964 campaign of Birch Bayh and also worked part time. She and Allie also were active at the PTA of their children’s school.

Virginia was a loving and caring woman to all in need of help. You always felt better about yourself after being with her.

When Allie became ill, she took care of him until his passing. Then her mother Vena and finally her Aunt Callie who helped raise Virginia and her children. Virginia’s faith helped her through all of her life.

In 1991, she retired from the Indianapolis Star Newspaper. She had spent 10 years as Executive Secretary to the editor. Virginia began volunteering at Methodist hospital and tutoring at Wyandotte Elementary school, still helping others. She was a member of Broad Ripple UMC since 1967. Virginia was an integral part of her entire family’s lives. For every holiday and special occasion, Virginia wrote letters and cards to make everyone on her very long list feel special. She will be greatly missed by everyone.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Allie (1978), sons David (1968) and Billy (1976) and great granddaughter Naomi (2021). She is survived by daughters Diane MacFarlane and Barbara Sanders, sons Bruce (wife Debbie) and Griff (wife Yvonne) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am-11:00am on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, where funeral services will immediately follow beginning at 11:00am.  A private burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Attica, IN.

To view services livestreamed, please click HERE.