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Virginia Lea (Hodges) Miranda

Posted 2020-08-27 by mhenderson
Published in Today's News-Herald on Aug. 27, 2020 -
Lake Havasu City, Arizona -
(personal article, page 6)

This has been a difficult year for many people because of COVID-19,
political drama and civil unrest. For our family, none of that comes
close to the tragedy of unexpectedly losing Virginia Lea (Hodges)
Miranda on August 17, 2020. Her life mattered to us. And while we
probably won’t riot, loot or torch any buildings to express our pain,
we are anguished beyond words that she is gone.

Born on September 24, 1946 in El Monte, CA, Virginia was the ninth of
ten siblings. As you can imagine, that experience helped her develop a
good sense of humor and a keen nose for B.S., both of which were
instrumental in later raising her own two children.

Virginia graduated from Arroyo High School in 1964. She was married to
Billie Mills Miranda from October 3, 1964 until his untimely death in
a military training accident on May 13, 1984. During those years, she
must have made literally hundreds of tacos, tamales and treats for his
Army buddies along with family and friends. While they may not have
had much, there was always room at their table for one or two (or
three or five) more. Theirs was the house where neighborhood kids went
to hang out and where family gathered.

Virginia’s care for others extended beyond her family and friends. In
her career as a human resources administrator for the Sears
Corporation, she worked hard to make sure each person who came to her
received the assistance, answers and benefits they deserved. After her
retirement, she moved to Chino Hills, CA and ultimately settled in
Lake Havasu City, AZ.

Virginia loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren
and great-grandchildren. She truly lived well, laughed often and loved
much. She was also a gifted crafter, card-maker and scrap-booker. Her
creative talent was surpassed only by her modesty about the incredible
things she made. Locally, she is well known for her card making
classes and the handmade scrubbies she sold at the swap meet. Some of
the homeless in the community will remember Virginia and her husband
William for sharing trust, compassion and meals. A true giver,
Virginia continued to help others beyond the end of her life by
donating her organs. It is hard to put into words how much Virginia
meant to so many people. When asked to describe her, William simply
said, “She was the love of my life.”

Virginia is survived by her husband of 35 years, William Cole Bulkley;
siblings Linda Amende, Delbert Hodges and Jessie Hodges; children
Billy Miranda and Lisa Miranda, along with their spouses; six
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and dog Bailey.

Due to current circumstances, the family will not be holding a
memorial service at this time. Those who wish to honor Virginia’s life
and memory are encouraged to make a donation to the American Heart
Association (heart.org) in her name.

Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.
Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-
frazefuneralhome.com.




Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.

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