Virginia Lee "Jenny" Walinow, 83, passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Country Place Senior Living in Basehor, Kan.

Jenny was born Jan. 27, 1931 in Anniston, Mo., daughter of the late Virginia Ethel Melton and Benjamin Emory Merrick.

After graduating from Anniston High School, she enlisted in the U.S. Women's Army Corps where she served in Germany and Hawaii and numerous in-state forts. While stationed at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, she met and married her husband, Joseph Walinow Jr., in 1969. Jenny retired sergeant first class in 1977 and went on to receive her associate degree from Kansas City, Kan., Community College.

Jenny was a member of the Grinter Chapel United Methodist Church in Kansas City for over 30 years where she participated in the Laura Dell Circle, making cancer pads for the Cancer Action Group. She enjoyed her many beloved pets over the years and had a giving heart for those in need.

In addition to her parents, Jenny was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Walinow; an infant sister, Mary Merrick; her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and "Cricket" Merrick; and nephew, John W. Merrick.

Jenny is survived by four nieces, Christy and Candy Merrick of Shawnee, Kan., Robin (Byers) of Vienna, W.Va., and Camella (David) Folsom of Basehor; Jane (John) Merrick of Bertrand, Mo.; two great-nephews, three great-nieces, two great-great-nephews; and one special cousin, Delores Benton of Sturgis, Ky.

We have lost a very special aunt and friend who will be greatly missed.

The visitation and service were held Saturday at Porter Funeral Home, 1835 Minnesota Ave. in Kansas City.

Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday in the National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grinter Chapel United Methodist Church in Kansas City.