Virginia G. StewartLansingVirginia Gertrude Stewart, age 93, passed away on June 20, 2017.  She was born on August 28th, 1923, at the Edward W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.  Virginia lived in East Lansing, Michigan, for 48 years before moving to Lansing Township in 1971.  She graduated from East Lansing High School in 1941, from Lansing Business University in 1943, and attended Michigan State University.  She was preceded in death by her father, Earle Henry Stewart; mother, Frieda Marie Christ Stewart; five siblings:  Robert, James, David, Ruth, and Daniel; nephew Steven Stewart; and niece Roberta Dean.  Survivors include nieces and nephews:  Michael Stewart, Sally Yarbrough; Kathryn Honig, Christine Robinson, David Stewart; Deborah Harrison, Kimberly Dean, Darcy Dean; Jean Smith, William Stewart, Karen Ebbesen, and Mary Baumann.    Virginia joined the support staff at Michigan State University in 1943, and retired in 1995.  From 1948 to 1968, she was Executive Secretary to Philip May, Vice President for Business and Finance and Treasurer.  From 1968 to 1995, she served as Executive Staff Assistant to Roger Wilkinson, Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer.  She was a member of many clubs and organizations within Michigan State University, including:  the Alumni Association, the Retirees Association, and the Business Women's Association.  She became a Master Gardener in 1999, through the MSU Extension Service.  In memory of her parents, Virginia funded two auditorium chairs in the MSU Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, at the time of its construction.  She was a recipient of the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award in 1982, and became a member of the MSU President's Club in 2000.  She served as Worthy Matron of Red Cedar Chapter No. 434 Order of the Eastern Star, in 1968-69.  Virginia also belonged to The Peoples Church in East Lansing.  She was a member of the Greater Lansing Rose Society, the Tri-County Iris Society, the Lansing Audubon Society, the Woldumar Nature Center, the Capital Area Humane Society, and numerous other humane and wildlife organizations.  Virginia lived life to the fullest, loyal to God and her country.  She felt lucky to have survived the Great Depression, and World War II.  She enthusiastically supported America's veterans organizations, including AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Virginia was an active and proud supporter of MSU Athletics, ferociously cheered on her teams, and stood by them even when she was sure the referees should have made some different calls. An open house to celebrate her life will be held from 2:00-5:00pm, on Sunday, August 27th, in the Red Cedar Room, Kellogg Hotel And Conference Center, 219 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, Michigan.  If desired, memorials can be made to:  The Spartan Marching Band Jacket Fund, c/o Karen Ebbesen, Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing MI, 48912.     Online condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com