Virginia Joy Hovey

Virginia Joy Bach Hovey passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at her home in La Grange, Illinois, at the age of 96. Born on June 3, 1929, at Loretta Hospital in Chicago, she lived a life deeply rooted in faith, education, and family.

A 1951 graduate of Wheaton College with a degree in elementary education, Virginia taught for six years before establishing a kindergarten at Oak Lawn Bible Church, where she served from 1955 to 1963. In 1954, she married Everett Hovey, and for the next 46 years she served faithfully alongside him as a pastor’s wife. Together they ministered to four congregations: Oak Lawn Bible Church (1955–1963), Oskaloosa Gospel Tabernacle (1963–1971), La Grange Bible Church (1971–1986), and Marion Hills Bible Church (1987–1997).

Known for her warm hospitality, Virginia often opened her home to missionaries and Christian leaders. A gifted pianist, she played with an evangelistic style that brought hymns to life, and she found great joy in teaching children’s church and speaking at women’s events. After her husband’s death in 2000, she cherished traveling with her children.

She is survived by her three daughters and their families: Faith and her husband Matt Grider, along with grandsons Matt Jr. and Timothy; Hope and her husband John Buchan, and grandson Jonathan; and Joy and her husband Dennis Madison, and grandson Samuel. Virginia often reminded her family that “family sticks together,” a simple truth they will carry forward in her honor.