Virginia Bass Tate

Virginia Bass Tate obituary, Asheville, NC

Virginia Bass Tate

Virginia Tate Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Asheville Area Alternative Funeral & Cremation Services - Asheville on Oct. 12, 2024.

Publish in a newspaper

Virginia Bass Tate
CEO of the Tate Family and The Boss Lady
Virginia Bass Tate died peacefully at age 71 on Friday, October 4, 2024 surrounded by her family. Born on July 1, 1953 to Beaty and Pat Bass in Rutherfordton, NC, she was the youngest of four children, after her brother Beaty and sisters Emily and Patsy Hope.
In her early adulthood, she moved to Chapel Hill, NC. She was a member of the South Orange Rescue Squad in Carrboro, NC, where she met and fell in love with her husband, Michael Noah Tate. They were married on December 17, 1977 in Virginia's childhood home in Rutherfordton, NC. They had their first child, daughter Kathryn Hope in 1981. They moved to Lexington, KY in 1982 where they had their two sons Michael Davis and Peter Noah in 1984 and 1987, respectively. They then moved to Hickory, NC in 1988.
Virginia created beauty and welcome for anyone who knew her. To say Virginia was an avid gardener is an understatement. She was a Master Gardener, briefly ran a landscape company, and expertly ran her own trackhoe and other farm equipment. She was also active at Northminster Presbyterian church, where she served as clerk of session and sang in the choir. In 1994, Virginia and Michael bought their property in Ashe County, NC where Virginia's true life's work began. She dreamed into being a true Eden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It served as her retreat and sanctuary, but it was also her greatest joy to share it with others. She believed strongly in conserving these natural spaces and Chaired the Board of Directors of the Blue Ridge Land Trust (now Blue Ridge Conservancy). Virginia and Michael also raised grass-fed beef and goats on their property, creating Ripshin Farms. Here as well, Virginia showed her adaptability and curiosity and dove headfirst into learning the ins and outs of the farming business, and earned the moniker from her children of the "Crazy Goat Lady". Michael and Virginia retired to Ashe County in 2014, spending as much time there as they could as they transitioned to Givens Estates in Asheville starting in 2020.
Virginia will be remembered as a tenacious, curious, generous, and joyful person. Where she went, her laughter followed. She had a beautiful alto singing voice that like everything else, she shared plentifully and generously with those that knew her. She is survived by her husband Michael, sister Patsy Hope Mitchell (husband John Mitchell), her daughter Kathryn Stevenson (husband Clint and children Lucille and Walter), and sons Davis (wife Maria and children Charlie and TBD baby Tate) and Peter (family Jessie Tate and Ryan Monk).
All of those who would like to celebrate Virginia's life are invited to a memorial service and reception on Saturday, October 12th at 1pm at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, we invite people to donate to organizations near and dear to Virginia and her family:
Four Seasons Hospice - fourseasonsfdn.org/ways-to-give/give-today/
Blue Ridge Conservancy - blueridgeconservancy.org/memorials-and-tributes
Greater Lansing Area Development - glad-Nc.org (funds will support Helene recovery efforts)
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Virginia Bass Tate, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Virginia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Virginia Tate's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Virginia Tate's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?