Virginia Belle Cox Bussey, died peacefully at her home in Springfield, MO on March 13, 2012, with relatives at her side. Virginia was born on February 17, 1921 in Springfield, the eldest child of Mildred Lee and Lester Edmund Cox. She married Lynn E. Bussey on June 19, 1941. Her husband, parents and brother Lester L. Cox preceded Virginia in death. She graduated Valedictorian from Greenwood High School in 1939, and lettered in four sports. Virginia received an AA in 1942 from National Park College (Washington DC), and attended University of Missouri her junior year. There she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma. She later received both a BS degree (1955) and MBA (1967) from Drury College. Her late husband, Dr. Bussey (Ph.D.) was a professor of Industrial Engineering at Kansas State University and she resided in Manhattan, KS until after his death. While there she served two terms on the Board of Manhattan Arts Council, was a member of the KSU Essential Edge National Committee and the President's Club. Virginia was also active in the Manhattan Picture Lady program and Public Relations Advisor to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Following her father's words "Put back into the community that's been good to you", Virginia established and endowed many scholarships for music performance and other causes. In Springfield she has been a Board member of the Community Foundation, Christ Episcopal Church Foundation, MSU Foundation, Ozarks Public Television, Drury College Board of Trustees, MSU Music Department Advisory Board, Hammons Hall Advisory Board and a suupporter of Springfield Little Theater. A world traveler, Virginia first journeyed to Mexico at the age of 16. She continued to globe trot throughout her life, making friends around the world. She was an ardent lover of the fine arts as a student, viewer and generous patron. Virginia received the Springfield Regional Arts Council "Ozzie" individual award in 2011, for promotion and support of area arts organizations. She was an enthusiast of the MSU Lady Bears basketball team, Springfield Cardinal's baseball, the PGA circuit and had a sweet golf swing. Her many hobbies included reading (especially mystery novels), needlework, crafts and painting. Virginia always enjoyed playing the piano and entertaining her friends with the grace of a bygone era. She had a sharp intellect, a zest for life and a wry sense of humor. Virginia is survived by her sister Cathryn Cox Lipscomb (Jack), her daughter Linda C. Willard (Payson), her son Lewis E. Bussey (Linda Surbaugh) of Denver CO, grandchildren Cathryn L. Willard, and Colin M. Bussey of Ft. Collins CO, two nephews Lester B. Cox and Larry W. Lipscomb (Tracy), and a niece Cindy Lipscomb Bayer (Gary) of Jerusalem, Israel. We would like to thank her wonderful support system including caregivers Bonnie Curtright, Rebecca Fuller, Teresa Gavisk, and Oxford Hospice nurses. Funeral services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E. Walnut St., Rev. Ken Chumbley presiding along with Rev. David Fly. Following services there will be a reception in the Church"s Parish hall. There will be no prior visitation. Internment will be private, at Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to any of the following: Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Ozark Food Harvest, The Child Advocacy Center Inc., or Christ Episcopal Church Capital Campaign Fund.