Virginia “Ginny” Allen

Virginia “Ginny” Allen, 81, of Delaware, passed away on May 20, 2018. She was born on February 6, 1937 in Pippa Passes, KY to Charlie and Clerenda (Bates) Hall. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years David Allen; and her siblings Dixie (Scott) Owens, Gertrude (Oakla) Slone, Columbus Hall, and Judy (Robert) Owens; and brother-in-law Edsel Sparkman.

Ginny grew up as one of 10 children, all of whom stayed extremely close throughout their lives. Her father was a school teacher and inspired a love of learning for Ginny at an early age. She graduated from high school at just 16, attended Alice Lloyd College for 2 years and taught K-12 in a small one-room schoolhouse while she was just 18 years old. She went on to graduate with a BA in education from the University of Kentucky in 1960. It was here that Ginny also developed her passion for Kentucky Wildcat basketball. Anyone who watched a game with Ginny knew if the score got too close she would have to leave the room as her nerves couldn’t take it. In 1984, Ginny graduated from Wright State University with a Masters degree. She taught 5th grade in Middletown, Ohio for 35 years. She often said, “I just hope that I made a difference in the lives of the hundreds of students that I taught.”

After retiring at 54, Ginny and David spent as much time as they could traveling around much of the US. Ginny also volunteered at Middletown Hospital for 12 years and later after moving to Columbus to be near her daughter, Kris, she spent several years volunteering at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware, Ohio. In her spare time, she loved working in her flower beds, reading and spending time with her daughter, son-in-law and furry companion, Sammy.

Ginny’s proudest family moments were her marriage to David on July 31, 1961. Ginny and David had a truly unique love for one another, never wanting to spend a moment apart. She was also very proud of her daughter, Kris, who she often told “you are the best thing I ever did.” She was a devoted and loving mother, always putting Kris’ needs before her own.

Ginny will be deeply missed by her daughter Kris (Jeff) McGlosson; siblings Eliza Sparkman, Gordon (Artie) Hall, Peggy (Monty) Hall, Tommy (Danette) Hall, and Adrain (Rose) Hall; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Ginny will be held at 1pm Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 North High Street. Her family will receive friends from 11am until the time of her service. Burial will follow at Kingwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ginny’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Alice Lloyd College or Faith Mission homeless shelter.