Virginia S. Greenawalt

Virginia “Ginny” Greenawalt, age 89, passed away March 12, 2025, at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Center in Copley OH, following a brief illness. She was born November 4, 1935 in Cleveland OH, to Gailord and Hilda (McKinley) Sprang, and graduated from Collinwood High School in 1954. She continued her education at Wittenberg University in Springfield, where she joined the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and graduated with a degree in English in 1958. While at Wittenberg, she met her future husband, Mitch, in the french horn section of the band; they were married in August 1959 and moved to Copley so he could begin his career as the Jr. High band director at Copley. Ginny took a job teaching 7th grade English, but after one year she decided she would rather teach her own children, and left the classroom to begin her family. Ginny and Mitch raised three daughters and a son, all of whom grew up to be quite talented at both music and writing/proofreading.

Ginny was a member of Faith Lutheran Church for 65 years, where she enjoyed singing in the choir, playing in the handbell choir, working as the church secretary, volunteering to knit prayer shawls, and many other activities over the years. Other activities she enjoyed with her family were volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, providing piano accompaniment for many of her husband’s band students for solo & ensemble contests each year, and camping. In 1972, Mitch convinced her to take a family camping trip through New England, which led to several summers at Camp Kawanhee in Maine, and years of traveling all over the country with the family. After all the kids were out of the house and on their own, Ginny and Mitch opted to sell their pop-up tent camper and instead travel in style all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, with family and friends.

Following Mitch’s death in 2014, Ginny worked hard to get the family home ready to sell to another deserving family, and she moved to Concordia at Sumner in May 2015. While at Concordia, she made many good friends, and got involved in various activities, including volunteering as a tour guide for prospective residents. She continued to enjoy and develop her hobbies, which included reading, sewing, and knitting; but she really found her niche with quilting. She made quilts for every occasion imaginable, and created countless gifts for friends and family. Each quilt, pillow, wall hanging, placemat, table runner, etc. was made with thoughtfulness and love, and the recipients will cherish these forever.

One of Ginny’s biggest joys was always her family–her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren--and they are so thankful for the lasting memories. She is survived by children Gail (Brian) Knarr, Beth (Todd) Johnson, Susie (Andy) Mason, and Ross (Gloria Shade) Greenawalt; grandchildren Rachel (Eddie) VanRiper, Adam (Megan) Johnson, and Erin (Zac Lomas) Johnson; and great-grandchildren Austin and Reese VanRiper, and Paulie Mae Johnson. She is also survived by cherished Wagner and Marxen nieces and nephews.

Entombment was private. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 28, at Faith Lutheran Church, 2726 W. Market Street, Fairlawn OH, 44333. A calling hour will be held from 9:30-10:30 am, with a service to begin at 10:30 am.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 2726 W. Market St, Akron OH 44333, or to the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Center, 3358 Ridgewood Rd, Akron OH 44333.