Virginia "Ginny" Chennault

Virginia Chennault was born on June 29, 1941, in Selma, California, to Homer and Maybelle Rutherford. She went to be with our Lord and Savior on January 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Virginia grew up with two sisters, Beverly and Kay. She attended local grammar schools in Hanford and graduated from Hanford High School, where she was a majorette in the band.

Virginia married Larry Perreira in 1958, and together they had three children, Tina, Tim, and JoAnn.

Later in life Virginia married Gene Chennault on March 11, 1973, and together they had a son, Bradley. She also welcomed three sons, Rick, Doug, and Steve.

Virginia worked for many years as a dietary aide for Hacienda Convalescent Hospital and Kings Convalescent Hospital. She also dedicated many years to helping her husband Gene in his business, G & M Floorcovering, where she worked tirelessly alongside him laying tiles and carpeting.

Virginia was a woman with many interests, including her love of country music. She especially loved country line dancing, and she danced with her daughter Tina on a competitive dance team, “The Wranglerettes”. She was also an avid reader and could often be found in the bookstore with her good friend Laurie. One of their favorite pastimes was trading books after finishing them. Virginia also took great pleasure in being outdoors and would often get up early to see the sunrise before her morning walks.

Family was Virginia’s top priority, as evidenced by her constant willingness to help, whether by lending a hand with a move, assisting with graduation parties, or simply being there for support. Some of her most cherished memories were centered around the holidays, such as baking Christmas treats with JoAnn. Virginia had a special talent for making beautiful Christmas bows, and she passed on the art of bow-making to JoAnn and her granddaughters, Michelle and Angela. Nothing brought more joy to Virginia than being surrounded by her family. From celebrating graduations and birthdays to hosting barbecues, she cherished every gathering. She especially loved time spent camping with her sons, Brad and Tim, along with their families. And she always loved to share the excitement of a Giants game with her sons.

Above all else, Virginia most treasured her role as “Grandma” to her grandchildren and “Grammy” to her great-grandchildren. Their presence never failed to make her smile, and her family will always remember these times for the way they showcased her joyful spirit.

Virginia is survived by her children: Tina Lamar, Tim Perreira (Donna), JoAnn Garcia (Martin), Brad Chennault (Bea), Rick Chennault (Janet), and Steve Chennault (Keiko); her fourteen grandchildren: Sara Oliviera, Megan Edmondson, Ryan Lamar, Shaun Lamar, Erin Perreira, Jason Perreira, Michelle Flores, Christopher Garcia, Angela Schwendemann, Tanner Chennault, Dustin Chennault, Doug Chennault Jr., Stephanie Chennault, and Kelly Chennault; twenty great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Kay Adams (Tom), as well as several nieces and nephews.

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Gene Chennault; parents, Homer and Maybelle Rutherford; sister, Beverly Martin; infant brother George  and stepson, Doug Chennault.

Virginia’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Diamond Terraces for the exceptional care and compassion they provided throughout her stay. Their kindness made a world of difference to her and her entire family.

In tribute to Virginia’s life, please consider supporting the Alzheimer's Association to help others facing this challenge.

Services will be held on Friday, February 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Chapel Church, 1900 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230.

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