Eda Virginia Fairchild Zimmer was born in a small farm house in Hayes Center, Nebraska on July 25, 1922. She was the oldest of 7 brothers and sisters, led by her parents, Walter and Grace. Throughout the 20’s, many houses, schools and hospitals were being built in the surrounding land, which provided employment for Walter. They moved around from farm to farm in Nebraska, then Idaho, until finally settling in Walla Walla Washington where the new air base was being built. Grace was a homemaker.
From an early age Eda, aka “Ginny” understood the value of an education and hard work, instilled in her by both her parents. Ginny’s mother, Grace, was firm regarding education and her father mirrored the support of education with his love of history. Ginny began her education in a simple schoolhouse in Dundee County, and moved to the old school in Fruitland, Idaho for her middle school years. Ginny completed high school in the new high school that her father helped build in New Plymouth in 1941. Later, when the Fairchild Family moved to Walla Walla, Ginny attended the Walla Walla Business School. In 1943, Ginny moved to Seattle, WA and secured employment at Boeing where she worked the line at a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II.
While in Seattle, Ginny met a young Clarence Zimmer (Zim), an Air Force air mechanic, who she fell head over heels for. Ginny called Zim her “Bombardier”. They were married December 2, 1945 in Walla Walla. Military life agreed with Ginny and Zim, as they traveled throughout the U.S. for almost 20 years. In her life, Ginny lived in nine different states (some more than once), including Nebraska, Missouri, Idaho, Washington, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas and Arizona. Most of this time was military life with Zim, and she didn’t regret a moment.
Ginny loved traveling, and in her lifetime she saw many far away destinations such as Germany, London, and Italy. The availability of trains and airplanes provided opportunities to interact with other cultures and people. However, Ginny’s most favorable travel destinations were to see her family. Over the years, even as the family spread out over many states, she never lost touch. In fact, she was well known for sending Christmas gifts in July and newspaper clippings she thought would interest her family.
In 1961, Zim retired from the Air Force and both Ginny and Zim moved to Arizona to be near his sister, Mary. Ginny took a position at Motorola where she worked on the manufacturing line and years later retired. She loved working with the people and couldn’t find herself staying home alone, so Ginny took a moderate position at Montgomery Ward for a few years. Later, after taking some time to travel and visit family, Ginny arrived back home and secured employment at Sky Harbor International Airport once again working with the people. Her passion to be social and active never diminished.
Ginny attended a local Methodist Church in Phoenix for nearly 40 years, where she supported the women’s group and many church functions. Ginny was also a big supporter of the Girl Scout’s Foundation, this relationship going all the way back to 1943. Moving forward, to more current days while living at Life Care of North Glendale Ginny’s leadership and generosity did not become sluggish. She was the Resident Counsel President, Head of the Food Committee, and headed up large craft projects with her fellow residents to give to homeless children. She loved beading, playing bingo, and crafting always.
Ginny passed into heaven on July 3, 2019, at Life Care of North Glendale at 97 years old. Her earthly body was placed to rest at Greenwood Memory Lawn in Phoenix, Arizona. She is predeceased by her husband, Clarence Zimmer, her parents, Walter and Grace Fairchild, and siblings, Walter Reed, Nancy Depoorter, and Doris Chickering. She is survived by her other siblings, Larry Fairchild, Vonda McCubbins, and Carol McIntyre, as well as countless nieces and nephews. Ginny left an impression on everyone’s lives, and was blessed to have many friends and loved deeply by her family. Her laugh and fun nature will be missed every day. We are thankful for the time we had with her and thankful she is resting and not suffering. We will miss you Ginny.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Eda’s life and visit with the family will be held at Life Care Center of North Glendale on Saturday, July 20th at 3:00pm. Please join us, share your favorite memory, and remember her always.
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