BOTKINS — Virginia Ann Uppenkamp, 83, of Botkins, died 6:32 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2014, at the St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

She was born March 24, 1930, in Wapakoneta, the daughter Carl J. and Laura E. (Wahl) Moell, who preceded her in death. On April 15, 1950, she married Richard James Uppenkamp, and he died July 11, 1977.

Survivors include six children, Cindie (Mike) Szekely, of Wapakoneta, Jon (Jane) Uppenkamp, of Wapakoneta, Jerry (Phyllis) Uppenkamp, of Botkins, Cheryl "Middy" (Kevin) Paul, of Botkins, Cathy Bell, of New Bremen, and Christy (Rich) English, of Proctorville; 27 grandchildren, Erin, Michael Szekely, Megan (Nick) Aurin, Maren Szekely, Jenny (Jeff) Pleiman, Julie (Andy) Schneider, Joy (Brad) Aufderhaar, Jason (Mendi) Uppenkamp, Jill (Bob) Kinsella, Josh (Sara) Uppenkamp, Beth (Neil) Boerger, Scott (Amanda) Uppenkamp, Daniel Uppenkamp, Ben (Erica) Paul, Andy (Kris) Paul, Nick Paul and fiancee Linsey Knoch, Gina (Eddie) Greve, Jordan Paul, Mark (Michelle) Bell, Laura (Brandon) Kelley, Lynn (Doug) Marsee, Matthew Bell, Richard Bell, Jeremy Slusser, Lindsey Slusser, Ian and James Isaac English; 38 great-grandchildren, Austin, Brady Hanes, Carson, Dana, Eva Pleiman, Dani, Nate Schneider, Evan, Ethan, Ella, Emmett, Eli Aufderhaar, Austein Snapp, Aubrie Uppenkamp, Katelyn, Carly, Harper Kinsella, Brandt, Xavier, Caelen Boerger, Zane, Boston, Rylyn Paul, Zack Ware, Camdyn, Trent Paul, Brylie, Brayla Greve, Makayla, Emma, Tyler Bell, Shelby Kelley, Courtni Pippin, Jonathan, Aubrey Kelley, Caden Marsee, Paeton Baum and D. J. Marsee.

One of 14 children, she is survived by two brothers, Robert (Mildred) Moell, of North Carolina, and George (Mary Florence) Moell, of Dayton; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Moell, of Oregon, Ohio, Pat Moell, of North Carolina, Betsy Moell, of Urbana and Janis Green, of Lima; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by son, James Uppenkamp, and siblings, the Rev. Carl J. Moell, Mary Mahoney, Richard Moell, Franklin Moell, Rita Parke, Martha Huebner, Margaret Workman, James Moell, Joe Moell, Tom Moell, Francis Moell,

Virginia, whose nickname was "Tuf," worked 30 years as a telephone operator at the Telephone Service Co., Wapakoneta. She always had a great memory for telephone numbers. A 1948 graduate of St. Joseph High School, Wapakoneta, she was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Botkins. She was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 691, Wapakoneta, and the Knights of St. John, Auxiliary. She was a former 4-H leader, and faith, family, gardening and naps were some of her interests. Virginia possessed a natural gift for music and was an accomplished pianist and organist.

She was a child care provider for many including her grandchildren, and she enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She was very creative and artistic and did many paintings. A wonderful mother for her own seven children, she also raised her three younger brothers, and nieces and nephews. Most of all she loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 14, 2014, at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Rhine, with the Rev. Patrick Sloneker officiating. Burial will be in the St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, and 9 to 9:45 a.m., Friday at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Ohio 501, Wapakoneta.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Kidney Services of West Central Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed at www.bayliffandeleyfh.com.

Published in Sidney Daily News from Mar. 11 to Mar. 12, 2014