Virginia Young
Virginia Lee Geis Young was born June 23, 1930, and went to heaven August 21, 2017.
Virginia, “Ginny,” “Mom,” or “G.G.” as she was called by friends and family, was truly loved by everyone that knew her.
She is survived by daughters Diane Branstrom and husband, Bruce; and Kim Fischer and husband, Eric; grandchildren Joshua Fischer and wife, Kara; and Caitlyn Fischer Kolesar and husband, Thomas; and great-grandchildren Lilyana Fischer, Milena Fischer, and Finnigan Kolesar.
Ginny grew up on a farm just east of town. She attended elementary school and high school in Marion. At Marion High School, Mom was very active in the music program, playing piano for the school choir and for vocalists. She cherished time spent with her high school friends and enjoyed attending many reunions. Mom, with her parents Esther and Elmer Geis, were active members of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she played piano for services. She dearly loved her friends, both at church and school.
Ginny’s work career was one of service, which began in the Phoenix, Arizona, area in the early 1960s as library assistant at Maryvale High School. From there, she moved to North High School to become the accompanist for performing choirs and vocalists. She left North High School when funding ended for school accompanists, changing her career focus to become a doctor’s assistant. Mom held this position for more than 20 years. Ginny then returned to the Phoenix Union High School District as para-educator. Working first at Camelback, and then at Alhambra High Schools, she helped many students and teachers in the ESL Department. She finally retired from the world of work at the young age of 76.
Mom loved her family with a passion. They were her life and she was very proud of everyone’s successes. She felt so blessed that she had the opportunity to become a great-grandmother. A woman of many passions, she enjoyed football, college and professional, NASCAR, barbershop quartets, musicals, classic movies, current movies in theaters, old-school sitcoms, going out to eat, and family holiday celebrations. She particularly loved Thanksgiving, with her turkey bones and all the trimmings. Mom faced life’s difficulties with courage, faith, and trust in her Lord.
Virginia will be laid to rest at Marion Cemetery alongside her mom and dad.
A graveside ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. October 21, 2017. Following the ceremony, a luncheon will be provided at the Historic Elgin Hotel Ballroom, 115 N. 3rd St.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local Humane Society.