Ms. Virginia Rose Bird Palen, age 89, of Muskegon, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at Heartland Health Care Center-Knollview in Muskegon.  She was born April 22, 1927, in Hart to Oren and Hazel (Mitchell) Palen. Virginia attended school and served her country by joining the United States Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.  She was employed with the Saturn automotive plant working in the electronics division.

Virginia was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Kateri Circle-Muskegon, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary-Coopersville.  She enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, the casino, flowers, birdwatching, needlework, knitting and crocheting.

Virginia is survived by one son, Arthur (Diane) Fritzgerald of Howard City; one daughter, Vicky Minaker of Kalkaska; several grand and great grandchildren and her caregiver, Lydia Dowd of Muskegon.  She is preceded in death by her parents.

There will be no services per Virginia's wishes.  Interment will be in Hart Cemetery.