Virginia A. (Thiede) Sylva

Virginia was born June 13, 1935 at home, on a ranch near Burton, Nebraska to Louis H. and Frieda J. (Hoffman) Thiede. She was the youngest of two daughters. She passed away on June 19, 2021 at the Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth, Nebraska.
Virginia’s first schooling was at Jordan Valley District 62 and later graduated in 1953 from Keya Paha County High School in Springview, Nebraska. She attended Chadron State College and taught for Burton School District 64 the first two years of her teaching career.
On June 5, 1955, she married Larry E Larsen of Springview. To that union, five children were born: Leslie J., Linda J., Elizabeth Ann, Ernest L. and Sara Lynn. The couple spent their entire married life ranching in the Burton area. They ranched together until Larry’s passing on November 10, 1980.
Virginia continued ranching with her family for several years and later married Richard Sylva on February 25, 1984. She continued ranching with her son, Ernie, after her marriage to Richard. Richard passed away July 19, 2005. Virginia remained on the ranch and continued helping her son until her passing.
She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church of Burton her entire life. Her faith in God and involvement with her church was very important to her. Virginia was a member of the LWML, church choir, and taught Sunday school and Bible school when her children were young. Her beautiful soprano voice in worship will always be remembered.
Virginia enjoyed traveling with her family, camping, and visiting the Black Hills. She and her husband Richard went on a memorable trip with her sister Ellen and brother-in-law, Willis Miller, to Alaska. The couples also enjoyed a trip to Mackinaw Island. She made several trips to Springfield, Missouri to visit her daughter, Sara and her family. Virginia enjoyed visiting her other children as often as time allowed.
Some of her favorite hobbies included gardening, sewing, and cooking. Virginia was also an avid bird watcher.
She was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Frieda Thiede; husband, Larry Larsen, and husband, Richard Sylva, son, Leslie Larsen and brother-in-law, Willis Miller.
Virginia is survived by her sister, Ellen Miller; her children, Linda (Richard) Svoboda, Elizabeth (Steve) Haddican, Ernest (Paula) Larsen, Sara (Scott) Kruse-Thatcher; 11 grandchildren, Bill (Tiffany) Svoboda, John (Paige) Svoboda, David Svoboda, Schuyler and Braden Boyd, Margo (Jason) Lehn, Jacob (Kristine) Larsen, Matthew Larsen, Lane (Robyn) Larsen, Madeline and Carter Kruse; and 10 great-grandchildren. Virginia is also survived by stepson, Rich (Amber) Sylva; and stepdaughter, Audra Sylva-Hobelman; along with five step grandchildren and nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Burton with Pastor Bill Serr and Pastor Georg Williams officiating. Music was provided by Sandra Heerten with congregational hymns, “Open Now Thy Gates Of Beauty”, “I’m But A Stranger Here” and “Old Rugged Cross”. Casket bearers were: Bill Svoboda, John Svoboda, David Svoboda, Schuyler Boyd, Braden Boyd, Jacob Larsen, Matt Larsen, Lane Larsen and Carter Kruse. Honorary Casket bearers were: Margo Lehn and Madeline Kruse. Memorials were suggested to the Grace Lutheran Church in Virginia’s name. Interment was in the Jordan Valley Cemetery in Burton, Nebraska under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth.