Virginia Lucille Yurkovich

Virginia L Yurkovich, age 97, of Hillsboro, OR, passed away peacefully early in the morning on October 9, 2025.

She was born February 28, 1928, to Martin J (Jack) and Christine Schmidt, in Crofton, NE. On Christmas Day 1936, the family loaded a truck and moved to Hillsboro, OR arriving at their destination on New Year's Day 1937. She attended David Hill, B.W. Barns, and St Mathew's grade schools and Hillsboro Union High. After graduation she worked at the Birdseye Cannery.

She met her future husband, Emil Yurkovich, through a mutual friend. The two married in 1949, moved to the Helvetia area. After the death of Emil's father, they moved to the farm he was raised on, and began life as longtime members of the community, and growing their family to include 7 children. While the children were in grade school, she volunteered as a Room Mother, assisted in 4-H projects, Chaperoned field trips and was a member of the St Edward Catholic Church Alter Society.

Life on that farm was never dull. There was always a huge garden, they raised their own beef, chickens, and pigs. Summers spent canning and preserving whatever was gleaned from their huge garden and keeping track of her children, as well as many other kids from the neighborhood.

When Emil retired, they started growing Christmas Trees. It was a lot of work, but they enjoyed seeing their customers at their tree farm. Everyone was in a good mood and seemed excited about the approaching holidays. It was also a great time for several members of the family to help with the tree sales during the weekends.

After her husband's passing, she began going to exercise classes in Hillsboro, enjoyed meeting new people and staying active. A favorite activity was the search for "treasures" at thrift stores and garage sales.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Emil, daughter, Gale Burkhart, and grandson, Brian Romine. Virginia is survived by her children, Jo Ann (Chuck) Schaefer, Patricia Schaefer, Carol (Tim) Delsman, Mark Yurkovich, Kathy (Bruce) Romine, Lynn (Bruce) Dargay, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a wealth of extended family and friends.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers; donations be made to a charity of your choice in Virginia's name. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.