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Virginia ‘Gina’ Ann Leitte, 74

Virginia “Gina” Ann Leitte, 74, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away Aug. 28, 2017, at the Hospice House in Hayden, Idaho, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born April 26, 1943, in Fergus Falls, Minn., the second of four children, to Lester J. and Juline (Sundre) Leitte.

Virginia grew up in Fergus Falls where she attended school and graduated from Fegus Falls Senior High School in 1961. She graduated from Fergus Falls Community College in 1963 and moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where she worked for Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance.

After moving to Denver, Colo., she was employed by the Coors Corporation, then the U.S. Postal Service.

In 1976, her love for animals brought her to Phoenix, Ariz., where she bred and raised greyhound dogs with her lifelong companion, Allen Everett. She partnered with him as the owner/operator of Allen Everett Kennels in South Dakota. In 1989, she and Allen followed the greyhound dog circuit to Post Falls, Idaho. In 1999, she began a career as a health care aide in Post Falls. Gina and Allen later moved to Pinehurst, where she became a senior companion and eventually developed a special bond with Mike George and his sister, Elaine, after their mother passed away.

She sporadically fought cancer from 2001 to the time of her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving companion of 40 years, Allen Everett. She is survived by her siblings, Steven (Susan) Leitte, Barbara (Alan) Flint and Mary (Ronald) Knoll; and several nieces and nephews. Although she had no biological children, she loved and considered Mike and his sister, Elaine George, as her children.

Gina loved our Lord Jesus Christ and had a gift of compassion and love for others. Gina’s interest in music was displayed by her ability to play the piano, clarinet and saxophone. She was also an avid pool player. Other interests were studying the Bible, reading and playing cards.

A celebration of Gina’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, at the Pinehurst Baptist Church (Pinehurst Lions Building), with Pastor Don White Officiating. Following services a reception will be held at the church. This will be potluck and all are welcome. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the First Lutheran North Cemetery in Fergus Falls.

One may sign Virgina’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, Idaho, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.