After a courageous, and lengthy, battle with cancer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Virginia Stears, died peacefully on Friday morning, February 19, 2016, at home with family at her side. She was born in Butte on August 8, 1935, to Andy and Nancy (Haidin) Aleksich.

Virginia attended Monroe and Webster Garfield Grade Schools and graduated from Butte High School. After completing high school, in three and a half years, she worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Director of the Butte Theater Group. After her children reached school age, she was a clerk and store manager at Gene's Feminine Fashions until the store closed.

Virginia married her lifelong partner, Chuck Stears, on August 08, 1954, her 19th birthday. They were the proud parents of three loving children; Mike, Sheri, and Dan, all Montana State University graduates. Virginia and Chuck enjoyed spending time with their children, and grandchildren, Michael and Marcus. Virginia was very proud of her family and relished the time she spent with them in Alaska, California, Colorado, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Her son's home on the Madison River, in Ennis, was a favorite retreat. She loved the Montana summers and enjoyed caring for her well-manicured lawn, shrubs, and flowers. She strived to have the greenest lawn in Butte.

Virginia was an avid sports fan. Her favorite teams included the Butte High Bulldogs, MSU Bobcats, and Denver Broncos. She was fortunate that her travels took her to see many games in person. While at home, there was always a sporting event on the television. She was very excited to watch her Denver Broncos win Super Bowl 50, in the comfort of her home, with family.

Virginia had a very positive attitude and brought joy to those around her. She loved children and the infectious energy they brought. While she tried to treat everyone with equal love, she relished the time with her great-nephew, and Godson, Coy Campbell, and his sisters, Cambri and Cendyl. She was never one to complain and was always looking to help others. She was a lifelong Catholic and attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church for over 60 years.

Virginia battled health issues for years and Virginia, and her family, was extremely appreciative of the care given to her by Dr. James Hueftle and Dr. Katie McGree. Virginia had a huge support team, including her family and neighbors that rallied around her during her illness. While we learned many life lessons from the experience, she always ensured all that she was very appreciative of, and loved, her support team.

On December 18, 2002, Virginia lost a piece of her soul with the passing of her beloved daughter, Sheri; a loss from which she would never fully recover. Virginia was also preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; parents, Andy and Nancy Aleksich; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clyde and Doris Stears; sister-in-law, Mary Stears; and brothers-in-law, Frank Kinsella, Vyron Wells, Ed Alger, Bill Stears, and Jerry Stears.

Virginia is survived by her sons, Dan of Anchorage, Alaska, and Mike and his wife, Marie (Bloom), of Boulder, Colorado; grandchildren, Michael and Marcus; and numerous extended family and siblings, Jerry and Mary Jo Aleksich, Louis and Rainelle Aleksich, Mary (Aleksich) Wells, Sandi (Aleksich) and Roy Crittenden, Jean (Aleksich) and Richard Mulcahy; sister-in-law, Norma Stears; nephews, Andy, Greg, Brent, and Brock Aleksich, Tom Stears, and Mark Wells; nieces, Patti Rafish, Debbie Bristol, Britney Campbell, Lisa Crain, Teri Del Re, Rachelle Alger, Wendy Drew, and Lisa Arnold.

"Virginia; Mom, Grandma, Sister, Auntie, friend, we will forever love, remember, and miss you."

Friends are asked to join the family on Saturday, after 10:00 am, in St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Rite of Committal and entombment of ashes will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are highly suggested to the Sheri Stears Educational Scholarship Fund #20232, c/o the University of Alaska, Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, ADM 236, Anchorage, AK, 99508. As UAA has many funds, please be sure to specify the Sheri Stears Educational Scholarship Fund #20232. Memorial may also be made to the charity of the donor's choic