Virginia Rose Ackley

Virginia Rose (Frew) Ackley, 94, of Milford, Ohio passed away early Sunday morning, June 20, 2021 near her home at SEM Laurel.

She was born to the late Harold McKinley Frew and the late Lily Mae Jewell on May 5, 1927, in Zanesville, OH. She was raised by foster parents from an early age in Columbus, OH where she graduated from West High School. Aside from work in banking and retail, she was a skilled and well-known hand-dipper of chocolate candies. Upon retirement 18 years ago, she moved to Milford to be closer to her daughter, Kay.


She married the late Paul Edison Ackley (divorced) on January 1, 1954 at which time she returned to Zanesville where she lived most of her adult life raising three children, all of whom survive her: Jay Paul Ackley of Birmingham, AL; Kay Louise Kieffer (Doug) of Milford, Ohio; and Jan Allen Ackley (Deann Stimpson) of North Salt Lake, UT. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Her life is best characterized as one overcoming substantial adversity and hardship. Losing her father at the age of 2, and then being placed in foster care at the age of 4 set the stage for her life's journey. She contracted Rheumatic Fever as a youth which resulted in a lifetime of significant deafness. She dedicated her life to raising her 3 children, sacrificing her own hopes and dreams for theirs. Throughout, she has also had a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs.


A viisitation and memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at John H. Evans Funeral Home, 741 Center St., Milford, OH from 9:00 AM until Celebration of Life serive at 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be given to Clermont Animal CARE Humane Society, 4025 Filager Rd., Batavia, OH 45103.