Virginia passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at Precious Memories Care Home in Regina. She was born in Moose Jaw on June 16, 1930, the first of ten children born to Richard and Christina Dillen. The family moved to Griffin when Virginia was in high school. After graduating, she attended Canadian Bible Institute in Regina where she met her future husband, John Beaton. They married in 1952, and began farming in the Griffin area. John predeceased her in a tragic accident in 1965. Virginia continued courageously to manage the farm and raise her two young children with the help of family and friends. Her deep faith in God carried her through the many difficulties of life, and her friendship and devotion to family touched many lives around her. She served on the Kenosee Lake Bible Camp board and worked several years in the camp kitchen as a cook. After her children were grown and married, she began serving with Child Evangelism Fellowship, traveling around the province to train and encourage CEF teachers. Forced into an early retirement due to severe rheumatoid arthritis, she lived with extreme pain during much of the last years of her life, but rather than complain about her own ailments, she encouraged others and showed a genuine interest in their lives. Her life was an example of generosity, perseverance, faith in God despite adversity, deep love for family and friends. Virginia is survived by her two children, David (Debbie) Beaton of Sedley, and Carol (Ray) Simon of Limoges, France. She was predeceased by one infant sister, Patricia, and two brothers, Charlie (B.C.) and Rick (Alberta), and one granddaughter, Dayna Beaton. She is survived by four sisters, Mary (Jim) Roller (California), June Pass (B.C.), Patricia (Rollen) Jones (Weyburn), and Bonny (Glen) Daku (Regina), as well as two brothers: Stan (Vicky) Dillen (Regina) and Will (Val) Dillen (Alberta). Virginia is also survived by her good friend/faithful caregiver/sister-in-law, Louise Beaton (Regina). Virginia has six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered by all of her family and many friends that she has made over the years. A Service to Celebrate her Life was held at Silver Heights Bible Church, 1610 Clark Ave., Weyburn, on Friday, October 19, at 1:00 pm, followed by interment at Griffin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, for those who would like to make donations in her honor, they may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship at www.cefsask.org.
