Virginia Brock Duckworth

Virginia Brock Duckworth, 87 of Kennewick and formerly of La Grande, died Aug. 28. A graveside service will begin at 4 p.m. Friday at Riverview Heights Cemetery in Kennewick.

Mrs. Duckworth was born May 7, 1918, to Wilbur F. and Cora Brock in Portland. She graduated from La Grande High School, and then from Emanuel School of Nursing and Hastings Business College, both in Portland. She worked as a nurse and a medical claims investigator for Blue Cross. She served in the Army Nurse Corps in World War II in the Philippines a, and later as a medical secretary and stenographer at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Pasco.

She married Richard Scheideman, who was killed in Africa during World War II. A brief marriage and divorce from Earl Clement preceded her 38-year marriage to John Duckworth, who died in 1992.

She enjoyed her family, friends and working with animals, especially farm animals. She was an avid horsewoman with a Dr. Doolittle-like ability to talk to the animals.

Survivors include nieces and nephews and other relatives. A sister, Roberta Brock Smith, died earlier.