Virginia Lee Carter

Virginia Lee Carter of Wapato was a beloved great grandmother, grandma “bacca”, mother, and wife during her 80 years of life. She passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, April 27th, 2025, in Yakima, WA. Virginia will be remembered for her loving nature, playfulness, and endearing stubbornness. “Virg” had a long and full life. She was born on May 18, 1944, in Leavenworth, Washington, to Dorothy and Clyde Dunn. At the age of 11, the family moved to Wapato, when they purchased the Liberty Theater. For the next twenty-two years Virginia devoted her time working at the theater. She’s remembered most by people, as the “popcorn lady”. She enjoyed meeting people that came from all around the valley to see her family’s movies. Virginia was a proud Wapato graduate of the class of 1962. On November 11th, 1967, Virginia married the love of her life, Don Carter. They welcomed two children, Lisa Carter and Donell Carter. Virginia continued her work at the theater while raising her girls. Virg was talented and adventurous in many aspects of her life. She became an expert in many hobbies. She enjoyed making pine needle baskets, stained glass windows and lamps, gemstone trees, wood working, and photography. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t build or fix. After retirement Bacca was a sports enthusiast with her mother, together they loved watching their grandchildren on the Wapato basketball court, cross country course, and track/field. She was also a loyal Seattle Seahawks fan. Virginia was loved by all and will always be remembered for her hard work, friendship, quick wit, fun sense of humor, and enjoyment of country music and Keystone Light. She was a strong, determined, and fiercely independent woman. She will be missed every day. Virginia is survived by her daughters Lisa Carter and Donell Carter; her brother Allen (Kathy) Dunn; her nephew and niece: Patrick Dunn and Tracie Dunn; two grandchildren: Charlie (Clifton) Smiscon and Jacob (Autumn) Fiander; and her great granddaughter Miley “peanut”. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Dorothy Dunn; in-laws Fred and Mildred Carter; husband, Don Carter; and countless friends. Special thanks to the Wapato Fire Department for their attentiveness to Virginia over the last few years. The family is also grateful to the staff at Good Samaritan of Yakima for going above and beyond their duties, caring for her as one of their own. At Virginia’s request there will be no service.

Virginia Lee Carter

May 18, 1944 - April 27, 2025