Stella Anne Overman Virts

Stella Anne Overman Virts, widow of C. Clifton Virts, died July 2, 2010, asleep in her bed at Homewood at Crumland Farms. She had been in good health until quite recently, and, at 95, was looking forward to reaching 100. Stella was born Feb. 27, 1915, in Elizabeth City, N.C., the first child of Stella Pearl Liskey Overman and William Samuel Overman. Her younger brother, Robert Samuel Overman, predeceased her in 1983. She graduated from the Maryland Institute (later College) of Art in 1936 with a diploma in mechanical art, and received an honorary Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from that institution in 1996. Stella worked for Ammidon Company in Baltimore as a designer of religious art and furnishings for churches, convents and missions around the world. Her artistic gifts were called upon to design banners, kneelers and other furnishings for Frederick's churches. Most recently, Stella designed the tall baptismal font at All Saints Episcopal Church and the Tree of Life stained glass window for Homewood at Crumland Farms. In 1942, as a young designer in Baltimore, she married a newly graduated attorney from Jefferson, Md. She and her husband, C. Clifton Virts, moved to Frederick, where they were a team for the rest of their lives. They were both passionate in their service to the people of Frederick. An advocate of community parks, Frederick's Tiny Tot Town was created in large part due to her efforts. Stella worked in her husband's law office and accompanied him during his 32 years as a delegate to the Maryland General Assembly. Throughout Clif's professional life, Stella made his work possible by acting as his assistant, his driver, his reader and his valued confidant. In 1978, she was recognized with a Governor's Citation in appreciation for her years of service to the citizens of Maryland. Those who knew Stella admired her work as an assistant to Clif, and many came to know her achievements as an artist, but few knew of her accomplishments as a musician. While still in high school, she taught art, piano and violin. She was offered scholarships to both art and music schools. Stella chose art, but music remained a private joy. Stella and Clif joined All Saints Episcopal Church when they moved to Frederick. She felt she had found a second home at All Saints where she actively participated in church suppers (her baked beans were famous), served on the Altar Guild and was a faithful member of St. Mary's Chapter and Daughters of the King. Stella was a proud member of The Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed genealogy, gardening, traveling and community suppers. Slippery pot pie, chipped beef gravy and fried oysters were her favorites. She greatly enjoyed her years at Homewood socializing with her many friends there. Stella was happiest when surrounded by her family. She is survived by her two children and their spouses: Cynthia Ann Rebecca Virts Wickless and William Jennings Wickless of Storrs, Conn., and Charles Clifton Virts III and Marcia Tressler Virts of Frederick. She is remembered and loved by her grandsons Miles Julian Wickless and wife, Lori Anne Beste, of West Hartford, Conn., Michael Tressler Virts and wife, Kristen Barton Virts; and Tyler Tressler Virts and fiancee, Jennifer Elizabeth Burke. Two special joys of her last years were her great-granddaughters Meredith Rose Wickless and Julia Claire Wickless of West Hartford, Conn. She was the last of her generation, but is survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. Stella's greatest legacy will always be the values she taught her children and grandchildren. There will be a memorial service for thanksgiving and celebration of Stella's life in the chapel at Homewood on July 31. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick County. P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702, to the Homewood Foundation, P.O. Box 250, Williamsport, MD 21705 or by doing an anonymous good deed in her honor