Virginia Mae Vassar Hegstrom, 99, of Nampa, Idaho, returned home to her Heavenly Father on January 23, 2025, with loved ones near. Virginia was born April 27, 1925, to Bessie (Bodle) Vassar and John Charles Vassar in Bowmont, Idaho. She was the second child of 4. She attended Bowmont Primary School, Happy Valley School, and Kuna High School. She met Elvin Hegstrom while attending Kuna High, and they married November 8, 1942. Together they were blessed with 7 children. Virginia learned at an early age the importance and value of hard work; learning from her parents who were farmers and had a Jersey dairy farm. When she was too young to help with chores, she would babysit her younger brother, Francis, by pushing him around in a wheelbarrow until the milking was done. But Virginia never cared for milk, able to avoid drinking for nearly 10 decades on earth; but loved ice cream, especially if it came with a side of homemade cherry pie. You would always find a garden at the Hegstrom home. Something Virginia also learned from her mother. It was full of delicious vegetables and fruit trees, the biggest being the apricot tree; ironically her least favorite. Canning and preserving the harvest was always important to Virginia, having enough to last through winter, as well as to share with others. Even last summer she was determined to drive her golf cart from raspberry patch to raspberry patch and gather fruit for jam. Flowers were another love of Virginias. Her garden was lined with iris', her home and sidewalks were bordered with mums, lilies, lilacs, snowballs, snapdragons, bleeding hearts and peonies. And her crowning glory, the circle driveway lined with her beautiful roses, of all varieties. She loved to share these fragrant beauties and always enjoyed a bouquet in her home. One of Virginias favorite ways to spend her time was quilting. She made many quilts, all with love. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren had received them as graduation gifts or wedding gifts. She shared her talent of quilting as a sign of her love for friends and family. Virginia fell in love with family history. She spent many hours finding and connecting her ancestors through temple ordinances. The time she and her dear friends spent doing this family history work meant so much to Virginia. Virginia was also skilled in the kitchen. She shared this skill with many in her home at the table, and many others by delivering dinners and treats. Many grandchildren learned the secret to fish and chips, cinnamon rolls, and maple donuts under her guidance. After marrying Elvin, Virginia chose to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The gospel of Jesus Christ was one of the most important things in her life. She served faithfully and held many callings; including the years supporting her husband as he served in numerous time demanding callings. Elvin and Virginia served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Hyde Park Visitor Center in London, England. They had many wonderful experiences and learned much as they served and strengthened their testimonies. She said many times it was a highlight in her life. Upon returning home, they continued to serve the Lord by working in the Boise Temple, where they served for nearly a decade. The temple was important to Viginia. Her devotion to her Savior was apparent in her attendance and service in His Holy House. She loved the opportunity of returning there often. Virginia is survived by four of her children: Linda Peterson (Kent), Loma Cordingly (Kurt), Sandra Newman (Steve), and Robert Hegstrom (Katie Badger);16 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; and 6 great-great grandchildren; as well as her brother Francis-Dean Vassar; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband Elvin, and three children: Gary, Sharon, and Karen; a grandson, Darren Peterson; her parents and two brothers. A viewing will be held from 4-6 pm, Friday, January 31, 2025 at Zeyer Funeral Chapel located at 83 N. Midland Blvd. in Nampa. The funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday, February 1, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 11792 Linden Rd. in Caldwell. A viewing will be held prior to the services at the Church from 12:30-1:15 pm. Graveside services will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery located at 15862 Indiana Ave. in Caldwell, Idaho. A livestream will be made available through ZeyerFuneralChapel.com for friends and family who may not be able to attend. The family wishes to thank all those who have cared for our mother so lovingly. And the many who stopped by to bless her on her next journey. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Missionary fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/contribute