Virginia C. Saliba

Saliba, Virginia Cohlmia, On a day when an epic thunder snow blanketed Wichita, one of its warmest citizens was called home. Virginia Cohlmia Saliba, 89, passed away peacefully at her Wichita home on Feb. 21, in the care of her beloved daughter, Olivia. Born Dec. 17, 1923 in Gate, Oklahoma, she was the eldest child of the late Lillie Farris and Ellis B. Cohlmia. Her husband, Jimmie M. Saliba; daughter, JoAnne; as well as her brother, Bill Cohlmia, and sister Joan Razook, all of Wichita, preceded Virginia in death. She graduated from Fairview High School, and later worked in her fathers general store. When the men went off to serve in World War II, Virginia became an expert butcher certainly the prettiest ever for the stores meat market. The Oklahoma native married the Southern gentleman from Dothan, Alabama, in 1944, and it is said nearly the whole town of Fairview turned out to see the beautiful bride and her dashing husband off at the train station - many in tears. The couple resided in Alabama some 40 years, raising four children in a town the Saliba family helped found. Virginia was a member of the Dothan Service League, the Sprig and Twig Garden Club and served several terms as PTA president. In 1983, the Salibas retired to Wichita, where Virginias mother had moved and founded Lillies childrens and maternity shop. Reconnecting with her family and her faith, Virginia became a member of the church community of St. George Orthodox Christian Church. An accomplished cook who loved entertaining family and friends, Virginia also enjoyed the ladies card group she played in for many years. Like her sister, she was a member of the Bona Dea Club. A respected and beloved Mother, Virginia leaves behind her son, Dr. Michael Saliba; daughter Yvonne and her husband Roger Pendleton, all of Texas, and daughter Olivia Saliba of Wichita. Virginia was devoted to her precious granddaughter Leah and husband, Jeff Owings; as well as her grandson Jay Pendleton and Wichita native, wife Ashley, all of Texas. They blessed her with great-grandchildren she adored: Avery, Lillie and Grafton Owings; and Lucas Pendleton. Her brother, Jim Cohlmia of Arizona; sister-in-law Nancy Cohlmia of Wichita, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive Virginia. Services will be at 7:00 P.M., Friday, March 1, 2013 at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral. Burial will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Old Mission Cemetery. Memorials have been established with: St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, 7515 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS 67206.