Virginia Ruth Chicone Stathas

Backbone of Bill Nicolella Candy Co. Virginia Ruth Chicone Stathas, 80, of Washington, died Friday, August 11, 2006, in Washington Hospital. She had been in declining health since January. She was born May 13, 1926, in Washington, a daughter of Nick and Virginia Daloia Chicone. Mrs. Stathas graduated from Washington High School in 1944. During World War II, she worked as a welder and hand grenade tester. Later, she worked as a telephone operator and bakery assistant before owning her own bakery. She was the backbone of Bill Nicolella Chocolate Candy Co. from 1979 until 2003. In 1948, she was a member of Washington's first women's bowling league that was sanctioned by the National Bowling League. At that time, she was the second-best female bowler in Washington. Mrs. Stathas loved God, sports and children. She was a surrogate mother to many children, taking them in and raising them as her own. "Butchie" was a very generous woman and loved by many children. In 1969, she married Edward G. Stathas, who died in 1992. Surviving are a son, William A. Nicolella of Washington; a daughter, Roberta Jeanne "Bobbie" Nicolella of Alexandria, Va.; and a sister, Martha (Bud) Junkins of Washington. Deceased are eight brothers and sisters, Anna Chicone Tucci, Patsy Chicone, Paul Chicone, Esther Chicone Mead, Joe Chicone, Judy Chicone Caruso, John Chicone and James Chicone. Friends will be received from noon to 2:30 p.m., the hour of services, Monday, August 14, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington. The Rev. Kenneth N. Schott will officiate. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. The family suggests that flowers be omitted.