Ilse Auguste Larkin Obituary (2022 - 2022)

Ilse Auguste Stronzik Larkin, 92, of Columbia Furnace, VA, passed away on May 9, 2022 at her home surrounded by family. Born on March 11, 1930 in Wronin, Germany, Ilse was the daughter of Roman Leo Stronzik and Marie Hedwig Saeftel. Ilse is survived by her children Craig Larkin and Silvia Larkin Huth (Edward); and two beloved grandchildren - Marissa and Eric Huth. She is survived by her siblings Irmgard Gehensel, Gerda Barry, Manfred Stronzik, Roland Stronzik (Traudel), Wulf Stronzik (Cherie), Siglinde Kharad, and Lexi Molitor (Peter). She is also survived by her sister-in-law Judy Larkin Carter and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Robert Larkin, and her sister, Inge Dobeck. Ilse came to the United States in 1960 at the age of 30. After meeting and then marrying Everett in northern Virginia, she became a United States citizen in 1967. In 1971 they moved to Columbia Furnace to run Larkin's Grocery which they owned until 1990. After Everett died in 1993 Ilse volunteered for over 20 years at Shenandoah County Memorial hospital. She was an avid bowler and was still bowling twice weekly at the age of 90. She was a longtime member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Woodstock. She loved knitting and donated dozens of sweaters and hats to World Vision's Knit for Kids program. She was always very supportive of her kids and their interests and volunteered as an assistant Girl Scout leader. Ilse will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, and Oma. Her family was the joy of her life. She was funny, generous, caring, and an eternal optimist. She was a lover of dark chocolate and coffee. She loved babies and children and would often hand out dollar bills to children she saw in the grocery store. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, P.O. Box 937, Verona, VA 24482-0937, https://www.brafb.org.