Virginia Sanborn, 92

Virginia Lee Sanborn died peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 19, 2026.

She was born on February 28, 1934, to parents Elmer E. and Goldie M. Johnson, in Newport, Washington.

Virginia, and her brother Pat, moved with her folks to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in 1941. There she attended twelve years of school, graduating in May 1952.

Her travels took her to Superior, Montana, then Spokane, Washington, where she held a variety of bookkeeping jobs. Through friends, she met up with former classmate Harley Sanborn. They started dating and married on September 3, 1955. 

Their four children, Chris, Kevin, Michelle, and John were all born at Sacred Heart Hospital, by Dr. Flagherty.

In 1966, Virginia and her family moved from Spokane to Bonners Ferry. She worked in a variety of jobs, with her final career being at the Bonners Ferry Ranger District. She loved working the Timber Sales with the local loggers and retired with this government position in 1994, after 25 years of service.

Mom really enjoyed her retirement years, with gardening, (especially her roses), golfing in the local league, and travels with her husband, Harley, (Hod).  Kauai was one of her favorite places and she loved all her adventures.

Winters kept her busy, by bowling in two leagues. She loved going to Reno, Nevada, (every three years), with teammates to bowl in the Women’s National Tournament.

Her final bowling tournament was the Idaho Women’s State Tournament, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she had the honor of winning the Division B Seniors All Events Handicap 2019. 

While playing bingo was another of Mom’s favorite activities, her true love was being the biggest Gonzaga fan! She could be found wearing a Gonzaga shirt every game day. She, along with her girlfriends: Carolyn McNeill and Nona Kaye Clark, affectionately called themselves the “Hags for Zags” and celebrated games together.  

She enjoyed her years belonging to several organizations, including: Beta Sigma Phi, Pythian Sisters, and the Bonners Ferry Cancer and Support Group, herself being a survivor.

Preceding her in death were her parents, brother Pat, husband Hod, and son Chris. 

Survivors include son Kevin, (Donna), daughter Michelle Guthrie, and son John, (Liz).  Rounding out the troops are 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson.

We are honoring Mom with a celebration of life this summer and the date is to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 911 W 5th Avenue, Spokane, WA  99204.