Virginia E. Thompson, age 93, of Oral, SD, passed away September 25, 2011 at Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City, SD.

Virginia was born June 21, 1918, in Rapid City, SD, to James and Sarah ('Sallye" Sheffield) Thompson. She attended school at Morning Star School and graduated from Buffalo Gap High School. In 1936, she married Bert Thompson and together they ranched in Oral. She worked in the hay fields and loved to ride horses and work livestock. The grandchildren spent summers with Virginia and Bert and they were known as Grannie & Pop to them and many others. Bert died in 1986 and Grannie carried on with help from family.

Virginia was a long time member of the Rebecca Lodge, a member of the Prairie View United Methodist Church, Extensions Clubs, and Country Gals. She was involved with the Southern Hills Cattlewomen and the Oral Blood Drives. She took part in Oral historic plays, square dancing, bowling and cruises and bus excursions with old friends and neighbors.

Survivors include her daughter, Kay (Leonard) Benson of Oral; four grandchildren, Kurt (Bonnie) Benson; Kent (Cheryl) Benson; Kristy (Steve) Barba and Klay (Madonna) Benson; eight great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert Thompson.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Prairie View United Methodist Church in Smithwick with Pastor Paul Smith officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Oral.

A memorial has been established in Virginia's name to benefit the Oral Volunteer Fire Department, the Smithwick Volunteer Fire Department or the Prairie View United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.