Obituary of Melba Vensko

Melba Kathleen Hayes Vensko (Kathy) died March 12, 2011 at Lynchburg General Hospital, surrounded by family, friends and her pastor. She was born in Laurel, Mississippi on April 4th, 1929 and stolen away from Mississippi by her Yankee born, southern at heart, husband, George J. Vensko of Brownsville, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by parents, William and Lula Mills Hayes, brothers, John B and Irvin Hayes, sisters, Ann Hayes West and Mavis Hayes Birdsong . She was also preceded by her son, Timothy H. at 1 month of age, daughter, Donna K. Young, at age 45, and most recently, grandson, Jeremy A. Pinkerton at age 22. Her survivors include husband George J., children JoAnn V Pinkerton (son -in-law- Bro Pinkerton) and George G Vensko (daughter-in-law, Rhonda Cornelsen Vensko); grandchildren, Katie, Liz and Kristina, and sister Iris Hayes McKinney, brother's Jack and Mike Hayes and lots of family and friends. She accompanied her husband around the United States, and to England for his Air Force service tours. But she truly loved their time in Berlin, Germany. She was best known for her cooking, bowling skills, hospitality, church service and her love of basketball and the Redskins. She served as captain of her varsity basketball and Girl Scout Cadet Leader for her daughters, worked as an old fashioned telephone operator for Ma Bell and as secretary and Home Mother to cement truck drivers at Virginia Concrete. Kathy had a heart for her family and friends. She loved to look at the water but never went in the sun or the water. She was self appointed lifeguard, cell phone in hand, for her husband and grandchildren, despite the fact that she couldn't swim and was most often found in a wheelchair. Playing bridge was a passion- with friends and grandchildren. Although never proven to actually cheat at bridge, she and her grandson Jeremy won more than their fair share. She had a great sense of humor never more evident than when she was in medical distress although she and pain were not friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her favorite charities: Huddleston Rescue Squad, Christian Lake Ministries and the Jeremy Pinkerton Memorial Fund (Jeremypinkerton.org). Services will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 4 PM at Patmos United Methodist Church in Huddleston, VA. The family will receive friends Saturday from 3 PM until the time of the service at the church. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston. (540-297-4966)