Virginia was born July 24, 1931 in Bettsville, to John and Leila (Havens) Semer. She married Richard G. Distel on May 24, 1952 at St. Joseph Rectory, and he survives.
Other survivors include a brother, James Semer of Idaho Falls, Idaho; a sister Ardath Wilson of Proctorville, Ohio; nieces and nephews; Valerie (Steve) Clouse, James (Amy) Semer, Jason (Debbie) Howard, Brett (Gail) Wilson, Brenda (Dave) Massie and Col. Larie (Tracey) Wilson.
Virginia was a 1949 Tiffin Columbian High School graduate, worked for Russell-Reed-Felton Insurance, later the United Insurance Service. She was a member of Washington Street UMC, the Seventy-Six Antique Club, Tiffin Glass Museum and Seneca County Historical Society. The Tiffin Glass Club was founded in 1985 when Virginia contacted friends who were interested in Tiffin Glass and had their first meeting at the Fort Ball Room of the Seneca County Museum. She was their first President, and also contributed information to Fred Bickenheuser's glass book and to Schoreder's antique price guide. She also presented programs around Tiffin, Port Clinton, and to the Toledo Glass Club.
Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Sunday, September 1, 2013, at the Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin OH 44883, 419-447-3113.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 2, 2013, at the funeral home with Rev. Donna Van Trees officiating. Burial will follow at Rock Creek Cemetery, Tiffin.
Memorial contribution may be made to the Tiffin Glass Museum or to a charity of the donor's choice in care of the funeral home.