In Loving Memory of

Virginia Ellen Hottell (VanGelder)

June 5, 1941 – April 29, 2025

Virginia Ellen Hottell (née VanGelder), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, at the age of 83. A kiss goodbye from Higgy, sweet whispers from her boys and great love from Debbie, she peacefully left this earth and gained her beloved Wings.

Born in Spokane, Washington, Virginia graduated from Marycliff High School in 1959 and earned her nursing degree from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1962. Later that year, she married Andrew Gary Hottell on November 7, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and mutual devotion.

Virginia dedicated over 40 years to her career as a registered nurse at Sacred Heart Medical Center, where she worked in pediatrics and labor and delivery until her retirement in 2003. Her calm presence, capable hands, and caring heart left a lasting impression on the many patients and families and friends she served and loved.

She was also deeply involved in her church community, participating in Fatima Bazaars and parish life, and later served as President of the South Hill Cop Shop—continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Virginia loved painting, playing guitar, photography, camping, spending as much time possible at the Priest Lake family cabin, and taking trips with "the girls," her cherished circle of lifelong friends. She was a grounded realist—honest, witty, and always forthright. You never had to wonder where she stood.

Virginia is preceded in death by Andrew Gary Hottell, beloved husband – November 19, 2015, Elain Lust, loving mother – March 11, 2017, and  E.R. "Pete" VanGelder, devoted father – February 10, 1986. Virginia is survived by her son Scott Hottell (wife Michelle), and their children; Ashlie Brown (daughter Marley), Mariah Kann (husband Presley and daughter Vivienne), Brandon Hottell (wife Emily, daughter Emerson, sons Killian and Finnegan), her son Paul Hottell (wife Yoeum), and their children; John Im, Malinda Im, Daravy Hottell (Kiana), and Alex Hottell.

She will be remembered for her strength, her compassion, her creative spirit, and the deep love she gave to her family and friends.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1pm in the Mausoleum Chapel at Holy Cross Cemetery, Spokane, WA. Online memorial page can be found at www.holycrossofspokane.org