Virginia "Ginners" Ames

Virginia Anne (Garber) Ames ascended to the Gates of Heaven on November 24, 2021. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. Her incredibly courageous battle with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer is now at an end.

Ginny was born May 7, 1951, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to parents, Don and Naomi Garber. She and her older Brother Raymond stayed very busy with the families’ horses and Guest Ranch Summers. Ginny was a very accomplished Barrel Racer and loved showing horses competitively. Following graduation from Highland High School, Ginny moved to Phoenix, AZ and ultimately graduated from Arizona State University. Shortly after, she moved to Durango, CO and enjoyed her passion of skiing, while running a shop at the Purgatory Ski Area. In January of 1975, she went on a blind date with Bill Ames, and they quickly fell deeply in love and were married in October. Both their Daughters, Laura and Angie, were born in Durango and shortly after they began a Corporate Gypsy life with Chevrolet Motor Division, that would see them occupy 9 houses in 7 different States over a 9 year period. Each transfer notice was greeted with initial tears, that then turned into a steely resolve to make this next experience the best one yet. Ginner’s grace, organization, and her incredible spirit of adventure made each move one that brought the family even closer together.

With her Daughters in High School Ginny began her career as a Competitive Cheerleading Coach at Rochester, MI High School. She was a natural Coach and loved her time spent touching lives and ultimately assisted in winning 10 State Championships. Hundreds of young women still worship “Ginners” for the life lessons she so lovingly imparted. After retiring from Cheer Coaching, she took over all the administrative work of the Football program. The Football players also loved Coach Ginners and she quickly earned the title of Director of Football Operations. In 2018, Ginners was recognized by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Assn as their “Woman of the Year”. And, just two months ago Ginny and Bill were recognized for their many, many years of dedicated service, with their induction to the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition, Ginny loved being outdoors, working in the yard with her beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed volunteer Church work, playing golf, raising her loving kitties, spending time with her girlfriends, and staying constantly involved with her four beloved Grandchildren.

Ginny’s legacy will live on through her Husband Bill, Daughter Laura and her Husband Patrick Murphy of Royal Oak, and Daughter Angie and her Husband John May of Rochester Hills, and her Grandchildren, Madison and Ashlyn May, and Emerson and Marlow Murphy. She is also survived by her Brother Raymond (Linda) Garber of Corinth, TX, Sister-in-Law Marilyn (Leland) Wilkerson of Lenexa, KS, and several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins and hundreds of loving friends. She was proceeded in death by her Grandparents and Parents, Don and Naomi Garber.

Ginny literally defined selflessness, always thinking of others first. Her dedication to others was ultimately rewarded by an army of prayer warriors and family and friends who showered her with cards, flowers, gifts, food, visits, and loving care during Ginny’s battle. The family will be forever in deep gratitude, with love to all. Through her illness she constantly reminded us all that the incredible power of prayer, coupled with the heart of a warrior, makes for a formidable force.

A celebratory gathering of friends and family will be held Monday, December 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester. On Tuesday, December 7th, 11 am, the celebration of Ginny’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester. The celebration will be led by Rev. David Eardley, Rev. Jeff Reagan and Rev Jon Reynolds.

In honor of Ginny’s colorful life, the family has requested that bright colors be worn for the both the service and gathering.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, Attn: “The Mission”, 25200 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, MI 48033