VIRGINIA BITTERLY

Virginia Bitterly has more than four decades of professional community service as an educator, counselor for social, economic, and spiritual problems of individuals, families, and groups including a social service consultant position at Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars for nearly 10 years.

Her numerous active community leadership roles include: presidency of Floyd Valley Hospital Auxiliary during which time she introduced the “Lifeline System” and continues to serve in various offices in the Auxiliary; as well as a member on the Iowa Hospital State Association on Auxiliaries and as State Newsletter Editor. She also has served in various offices on the Christian Women’s Organization, and the General Federated Women’s Club. Serving with the Iowa State U. Extension from 1987-1992, she was 4-H Educator and youth director in Plymouth/ Cherokee counties. She has held numerous leadership positions including State of Iowa Older Iowa’s Legislature (OIL) serving on the Committee, as well as in various offices in her local church.

Her many honors include National “True Grit” Award Distinguished Volunteer Service Award, Plymouth County State of Iowa Hall of Fame Governor’s Volunteer Award, Greater Siouxland Volunteer Award of the Year, and Siouxland J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award, and in 2003, she was honored with the Matt Parott & Sons Integrity Award, the Red Cross Heroes of Siouxland, The Abbey Care Center (Le Mars, IA) Volunteer of the Year, and the Iowa Governor’s Award for Resident Advocate. As an author and poet, she has contributed poems and articles in newspapers and, by invitation, in published books. Since 1960, she continues offering private piano instruction in her Home Studio. Her one daughter, Amy, lives in Colorado.