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Virginia Shanks, 92, of Janesville, WI passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Evansville Manor. Virginia was born on November 25, 1919 at St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Gustav and Elizabeth (Jobb) Papendick. She graduated from University City High School in 1938 and later from Washington University both in St. Louis. In 1948, Virginia received a masters degree from the University of Missouri. She taught physical education at Granite City, IL and kindergarten at Ladue, MO. Virginia married Robb L. Shanks on June 12, 1949. They moved to Janesville in 1955 where Dr. Shanks was employed as director of instruction by the Janesville Public School System. Virginia was very active as a community and church volunteer.  As a member of First Presbyterian Church, she taught Sunday School, Bible School, sang in the chancel choir and performed in the bell choir.  Also, thru her church, she was active in the Roosevelt School Breakfast Club where she enjoyed reading to the students as they ate their meal. She was long active in the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, and spent many hours working at Castaways. Virginia volunteered in the Lauback Literacy Program.  She was a talented pianist and lover of music. She enjoyed cheering on the Packers with her family.  She loved and supported all children, but especially her children and grandchildren.  Above all else, Virginia was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Surviving are two daughters, Marilyn (Kirk) Leach of Janesville, Dr. Joyce Shanks of LaCrosse, WI, two grandsons, Robb and Brendon Leach, both of Janesville, one brother, Willard Papendick of Lexington, KY, many nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robb Shanks on July 14, 1979. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Gustav Papendick, Clarence Papendick, Louis Papendick, two sisters, Marie Papendick Sieloff and Blanche Papendick. “Virginia’s family wishes to give special thanks for the support of the First Presbyterian Church Deacons, Rev. Dr. Bruce A. Jones, the Evansville Manor staff and  her long-time senior companion and caregiver, Libbie Comstock.” Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, September 28, 2012 at Henke-Clarson Funeral Home, 1010 N. Wright Rd., Janesville and on Saturday, September 29th from 10 to 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 17 N. Jackson Street, Janesville. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Bruce  A. Jones officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Virginia’s name. The family is being assisted by Henke-Clarson Funeral Home.

Virginia Shanks, 92, of Janesville, WI passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Evansville Manor. Virginia was born on November 25, 1919 at St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Gustav and Elizabeth (Jobb) Papendick. She graduated from University City High School in 1938 and later from Washington University both in St. Louis. In 1948, Virginia received a masters degree from the University of Missouri. She taught physical education at Granite City, IL and kindergarten at Ladue, MO. Virginia married Robb L. Shanks on June 12, 1949. They moved to Janesville in 1955 where Dr. Shanks was employed as director of instruction by the Janesville Public School System. Virginia was very active as a community and church volunteer.  As a member of First Presbyterian Church, she taught Sunday School, Bible School, sang in the chancel choir and performed in the bell choir.  Also, thru her church, she was active in the Roosevelt School Breakfast Club where she enjoyed reading to the students as they ate their meal. She was long active in the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, and spent many hours working at Castaways. Virginia volunteered in the Lauback Literacy Program.  She was a talented pianist and lover of music. She enjoyed cheering on the Packers with her family.  She loved and supported all children, but especially her children and grandchildren.  Above all else, Virginia was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Surviving are two daughters, Marilyn (Kirk) Leach of Janesville, Dr. Joyce Shanks of LaCrosse, WI, two grandsons, Robb and Brendon Leach, both of Janesville, one brother, Willard Papendick of Lexington, KY, many nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robb Shanks on July 14, 1979. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Gustav Papendick, Clarence Papendick, Louis Papendick, two sisters, Marie Papendick Sieloff and Blanche Papendick. “Virginia’s family wishes to give special thanks for the support of the First Presbyterian Church Deacons, Rev. Dr. Bruce A. Jones, the Evansville Manor staff and  her long-time senior companion and caregiver, Libbie Comstock.” Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, September 28, 2012 at Henke-Clarson Funeral Home, 1010 N. Wright Rd., Janesville and on Saturday, September 29th from 10 to 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 17 N. Jackson Street, Janesville. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Bruce  A. Jones officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Virginia’s name. The family is being assisted by Henke-Clarson Funeral Home.