Submitted by: Dan Rich

Virginia Thistle Vlantis

Sept. 21, 1991 - Oct. 6, 2008

South Bend Tribune 10/12/2008
SOUTH BEND - Virginia, "Thistle" to her family, has gone to be with her Maker in peace and comfort. She passed away suddenly due to complications in her lifelong battle with a rare form of histiocytosis. In her death as in her life she shone as a golden glow in our lives. She possessed an angelic grace that carried her through all the adversity. Her heart continues to shine on. Thistle will be remembered with love and joy by her mother, Penny Cline; her father and stepmother, William and Gayle Vlantis; Lily Anna Cline, her sister and best friend; her grandparents, Michael and Patricia Vlantis, with whom she made so many memories. She is also in the hearts of grandparents, Wayne and Lanita Cline; Aunt Terry Cline; Aunt Kay and Uncle Kent Womack; Uncle Bob and Aunt Brenda Cline; Uncle John and Aunt Madeline Vlantis; cousins, Jennifer and Michael Krill, Alexandra and Harrison Womack, Randy Cline, Elaine Weger and many others in this tightly knit family. Thistle continues to be loved by her extended family, the Joseph Horvath family and the many friends who shared in her life. Virginia was a junior at Washington High School in South Bend, a Twenty-first Century Scholar, and hoped to be a veterinarian technician one day. She was an excellent cook and loved trying new recipes. Her apple pie was perfect! Donations may be made to the Histiocyte Society or Riley Children's Hospital in her name.