Virginia C. Kerstanski

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Virginia Claire (Ernhout) Kerstanski, on January 29, 2025 at the age of 91. Virginia was the cherished wife of Sylvester J. Kerstanski, the pair sharing their love and devotion of one another for the last 73 years until her passing. Virginia was a beloved mother, grandmother (Great and Great-Great), and dear friend, exuding kindness and compassion until the very end.

Virginia was born In Monticello, NY, on October 23, 1933, to Lamont and Hazel (Drescher) Ernhout. She met her husband, Sylvester, at a roller rink in New York in 1949 which led to their marriage in 1951. Virginia was Sylvester's anchor, who supported his Air Force career with confidence and vigor, bringing the meaning of home to their family from New York-California-Connecticut-New York-Maine-Bermuda-Georgia-New Jersey-Illinois-Maryland-and finally settling down in the Dayton, Ohio area in 1975 where they have lived since. 

Virginia's nurturing spirit and unwavering support profoundly shaped the lives of her eight children, Joanne, Paul, William, Nancy, Thomas, James, Daniel, and Mary. 

Her legacy lives on in her 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, who will forever treasure the moments spent with their remarkable grandmother, teaching them to live life with strength, grace, and humor. Her vibrant spirit and deep love for her family will be forever cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Virginia was a multi-talented force of nature. She had aspirations to be a nurse but instead enthusiastically accepted a role as an Air Force wife. Virginia initially followed in her Mother’s footsteps as a telephone operator beginning at the age of 14 and then picking up the career once again at Wright Patterson AFB, OH reaching head operator in the 17 years she worked there. Virginia was a selfless person and volunteered at Sycamore Hospital for 17 years.

Virginia is survived by her adoring husband Sylvester and six of her children and was preceded in death by her parents Hazel and Lamont, brother Jim, sons Thomas and Daniel, and her grandson Jason.

Virginia's memorial ceremony will be held on Monday, Feb 3rd at Newcomer Centerville Chapel, 820 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 4:00 p.m. at the Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) reflecting Virginia's passion for children. Virginia C. Kerstanski will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of love and compassion for all will continue to inspire her extended family and many friends.

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