A celebration of life is at 4 p.m. April 4, 2004, at the Homer Elks Lodge, Homer, with Pastor Dan Lush presiding. All friends of Virginia are invited.

Mrs. McNamara was born July 11, 1929, in Kansas City, Mo. She graduated from Northeast High School and Avala College in Kansas City, Mo.

She taught special education in grade school in the Kansas City School District until she retired. Virginia moved to Alaska in 1998 and married Dick McNamara of Homer. She was an active member of the Homer United Methodist Church, Emblem Club, several book clubs, and was on the board of directors of the Homer Infant Learning Program.

Virginia is survived by her husband Dick of Homer, son Scott Hilton of Austin, Texas; daughters Krista Hilton Ross of Hillard, Ohio, and Kellie Hilton of Kansas City, Mo.; grandsons Scott Hilton and E.L. Hilton of Allen, Texas, Tyler Ross at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio; and granddaughter Bailey Ross of Hillard, Ohio; sisters Pat Curtis and Eva Lynn Baldus in the Kansas City area; and brother Rick Landers of Odessa, Mo.

"Virginia will be greatly missed by her family and friends," her family said.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Homer Emblem Club #350, Battle of the Books program, P.O. Box 614, Homer 99603.

Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.