Virginia Marie Uptmor Vrba

Virginia Marie “Sweetie” Uptmor Vrba passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at the age of 96, on what would have been her 79th wedding anniversary.

A rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Martin Cemetery in Tours, Texas.

She was born August 15, 1930, in Tours, Texas, to George and Christine Lucien Uptmor. She graduated from West High School in 1947.

On October 5, 1947, Sweetie married Eugene Vrba. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

Sweetie worked at Owens-Illinois Glass Plant for more than 30 years, where she was respected for her dedication and strong work ethic.

She also knew how to enjoy life. Sweetie loved dancing, listening to country music, taking trips to the casinos, and cheering on her Dallas Cowboys. She had her favorite television shows, too, and everyone knew not to bother her at 11:00 a.m. while she watched The Young and the Restless or at 6:00 p.m. when it was time for Wheel of Fortune.

Even at 96, Sweetie had the memory of an elephant and lived independently in her own home until her death. She possessed a quick wit and a spirited personality, keeping the nurses on their toes until the very end. A true spitfire, Sweetie faced life and the hospital with humor and plenty of personality.

Sweetie will be remembered for the joy she brought to those around her and her devotion to family and friends.

Sweetie was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Vrba; her parents, George and Christine Lucien Uptmor; her children, Douglas Vrba, Sandy Vrba Pulliam, Randy Vrba, and Terry Vrba; and her granddaughter, Jaime Altamirano.

She is survived by Debra Hillin and her husband, Robby; Gary Vrba and his wife, Denice; Lisa Choate and her husband, David; her grandchildren and their spouses and partners: Billy Blanton, and his wife, Christy; Charlie Blanton, and his partner, Deanna; Monica Vrba; Lane Vrba; Mason Lowe, and her husband, Keaton; Blake Harrison, and her husband, Hendryx; David Choate, and his fiancée, Meredith; Ryan Choate; Matthew Vrba; Michelle Garcia, and her husband, Chris; and Adam Ray. Sweetie also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren and her great friend, Janelle Dulock.

Pallbearers will be Billy Blanton, Charlie Blanton, David Choate, Ryan Choate, Lane Vrba, and Matthew Vrba.

Honorary pallbearers will be Judd Bates, Ethan Blanton, Adam Ray, Keaton Lowe, Hendryx Harrison, and Ramon Altamirano.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Virginia in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.