Virginia "Ginny" G. Schroeder

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, a friend to many people in Evansville, and an energetic, generous member of the community. She will be remembered by all as a woman of quick wit, characterized by charm, and generosity of spirit.

Ginny was born August 9, 1924 in Springfield, Ohio, the daughter of J. Robert and Emily Moores Groff. She majored in history at Wellesley College near Boston, graduating in 1946. While in Boston, she met Gilbert Shaw Graves, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate. Over their 35 years of marriage, Ginny and Gil resided in New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Maryville, Tennessee, and Richmond, Indiana before making their permanent home in Evansville, Indiana. No matter where she lived, Ginny immersed herself in its community and people.

An Evansville resident since 1975, Ginny actively supported the Evansville Museum of Arts, Science and History, the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Evansville, the St. Vincent Medical Center Foundation, and the Evansville YWCA. She was a longtime member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

Ginny greatly valued her association with the Social Literary Circle, a book club founded in 1901. The combination of reading great books and lifelong friendships made it a valued part of her life for 47 years.

Ginny’s husband of 35 years, Gilbert Shaw Graves, died in 1982. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Jerome Letron Turner of Richmond, Indiana in the year 2000. Ginny is survived by their children, Robert Graves (Lindsay) of Oberlin, Ohio, Catherine Turner of Maryville, Tennessee, Sarah Cobb (Pete) of Montgomery, Alabama, Melissa Mattingly (Randy) of Henderson, Kentucky, and their children, John Graves (Amy), Sarah Graves, Drew Sullivan (Lauren), Hoke Turner Sullivan, Erin Mattingly, William Mattingly, Spearman (Jordan) Cobb and Pierce (Courtney) Cobb. In 1984, Ginny married John Henry Schroeder. After 27 years of marriage, John passed away in 2011. She is survived by his sons, John C. Schroeder (Diane) of Evansville, Indiana and Richard A. Schroeder (Patrice) of Newburgh, Indiana. She is survived by John’s grandchildren, Scott Schroeder (Leigh), Susan Fuller (Joel), Maribeth Claassen (Scott), Lindsey Schroeder, and David Schroeder, as well as 18 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of the Life and Faith of Virginia (Ginny) Schroeder will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 5501 Washington Ave., Evansville, Indiana 47715. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Ryan Bradney of Eastminster Presbyterian Church and The Reverend Dr. Dennis R. Davenport, former pastor at Eastminster Presbyterian Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Ginny’s memory, the family suggest donations be made to: Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 5501 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN 47715; the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, 411 SE Riverside Drive, Evansville, IN 47713; the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, P.O. Box 84, Evansville, IN 47701-0084; the YWCA of Evansville, 118 Vine Street, Evansville, IN 47708; University of Evansville, Office of University Advancement, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47722, or to the charity of one’s choosing.

The family would like to extend our appreciation to the Newburgh Primrose Memory Care staff as well as Heart to Heart Hospice of Evansville, Indiana for providing expert, compassionate care and support for Ginny.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.