Virginia Ann Highley, age 79, was lovingly and peacefully escorted from this world on Saturday night April 16, 2011. She was born to Esther F. and Walter H. Bland on March 29, 1932 in Danville, IL. Virginia was a loving mother and grandmother that enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved gardening, flower arranging, shopping and watching and listening to nature. She was preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Walter Bland, brother, Gene Bland, daughter, Tracie Lynn Highley and grandson John Robert Highley. She is survived by brothers, Robert and William Bland; daughters, Marsha J. Highley and Darcey A. Carpenter; sons, John D. (Joyce) Highley and Greg A. (Donna) Highley; ten grandchildren, Julie (Shawn) Merideth, Jessica Matthews, Sean (Steph) Highley, Christina Highley, Jenifer Highley, Heather and Eric (Kaz) Carpenter, Robert, Ashley and Ryan Highley; six great-grandchildren, Courtney and Brandon Prather, Chloe, Lily and Emery Merideth and Zak Carpenter; last, but not least, her faithful companion Shelby. She will be loved and missed by all. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2011 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel with the Reverend Thomas Reidy officiating. Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3322 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, Hospice Compassus, 1465 East Primrose, Springfield, MO 65804, or The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, 3161 West Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803.