Virginia “Jinny” Boatright, a beloved resident of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on Friday, December 15, 1939, in Centralia, the daughter of Robert “Bob” Langenfeld and Nettie “Lorene” (Cherry) Langenfeld. On October 10, 1958, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, she married the love of her life, Lloyd Boatright. They were able to spend 48 wonderful years together and have three beautiful daughters. Lloyd departed from this world on October 30, 2006.
Jinny was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she found spiritual fulfillment and was actively involved in church activities. Her love for life’s simple pleasures was evident in her passions for bird watching, playing cards, solving puzzles, and cooking. Mondays were special to her, as they were devoted to thrifting adventures with her sister, Cathy, and daughter, Vicki.
Jinny’s elegance, kindness, and vibrant spirit touched everyone who knew her. Her family and friends were her world, and she delighted in spending time with them, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Jinny will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.
She is survived by her loving daughters: Joni Gaetti and husband Gary of Sugar Land, Texas, Vicki Agee and husband Dave of Centralia, and Mandy Whittaker and husband John of Sacramento, California. Jinny’s legacy continues through her adored grandchildren: Jeron Balazi and husband Brian of Salem, Chelsey Little of Texas, Linzi Swickard of Centralia, Kinzi Henson of Centralia, Sam Whittaker of Sacramento, Audrey Whittaker of Sacramento, and Alexia Little of Sugar Land, Texas. She was further blessed with great-grandchildren: Jayden Swickard, Alana Gaetti, Clayton Gaetti, Hudsyn Swickard, Layla Woodby, Killian Merrell, Chance Merrell, Lauren Balazi, and Ozzy Balazi; and one great-great-grandson, Kobe Little.
Jinny is also survived by her dear sisters: Blanche Flanigan of Central City, Cherry Neff of Central City, Margie Brethorst and husband Gary of Hendersonville, TN, Cathy Jones and husband Russ of Centralia; her brothers: Robert Langenfeld, Jr. and wife Margaret of Hoyleton, Ronnie Langenfeld and wife Bonnie of Centralia, and Ricky Langenfeld and wife Nancy of Centralia, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Lorene Langenfeld; her beloved husband, Lloyd Boatright; her grandson, Zachary Bo Henson; her granddaughter, Lauren Little; and her sister, Pat Marcum.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Mary Church in Centralia, Illinois, with Monsignor David Darin officiating. Jinny will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Centralia, next to her beloved husband. Visitation will be held Tuesday afternoon from 12:00 PM until the time of Mass at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Church and/or St. Mary School. Donations will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523. The funeral home is honored to be of service to Jinny’s family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store.
