Virginia Ellis Setzer, 71, passed away on October 2 after a long illness. She was predeceased by her parents Paul and Virginia Smyer Setzer of Shelby, NC. Ellis graduated from Shelby High School and Appalachian State University. After working in housing there, she became the east area manager of residence halls at the University of Tennessee in the late seventies and early eighties. With courses at UT, she became a Master Gardener. All who knew Ellis knew of her life-long interest in gardening and her love of all animals, especially dogs. She is survived by cousins Sarah Odum of Summerset, VA and John Barkley of Charlotte, NC., her former husband and good friend, Dr. William R. Breeding of Knoxville, TN, and many friends, including her very special caretaker, Missy Hanks who cared for Ellis after her stroke and made Ellis a part of her family. At Ellis's request, there will be no service; condolences may be left on the Mullins Funeral Home website. Memorials may be made to any animal welfare agency in Ellis's name. The Setzer family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.