Virginia E. Carnes, 90, of Ottumwa, died at 12:50 a.m. September 24, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.
She was born December 26, 1935 in Ottumwa to Edward and Irene Beghtol Lewis. She was raised by her grandparents, Charles and Nancy Beghtol.
Virginia was a Licensed Practical Nurse, she loved helping and taking care of people. She worked in various nursing homes, in-home health care, at the Ottumwa Hospital, and an ambulance service in Ottumwa.
She was a member of First Lutheran Church. Virginia was also a volunteer for the foster grandparent program through the Ottumwa Community School District.
Surviving are her children, Richard D. Carnes, Edward L. Carnes and Diana Morrow all of Ottumwa; 7 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; a sister, JoAnne Downing; a special friend and cousin, Sherri Bookin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Helen Lewis; and brother, Edward “Bud” Lewis.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday September 28th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Richard Schlotter officiating. Family will be present to greet friends from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Due to a family allergy the family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society.
