Virginia Lynn "Ginny" Minnes

Ginny was more than the matriarch of the Minnes household; she was the glue that bound the Minnes family together. Always the patient and kind wife, mother, and sister, she unfailingly set her friends and family first, and her enduring legacy of warmth and enthusiasm will always be cherished.

Ginny was born in Ellensburg, WA on September 11, 1953 to Keith and Phyllis Angerman. She was the second of four children, after Sandy and followed by Keith and Nancy.

When Ginny was young the Angerman family moved to a game farm in Lakewood, WA where she busied herself feeding the animals and helping her father with the chores. She adopted a pet raccoon named Missy, who tolerated few except her and the farm’s cougar. It was clear even from a young age her power to win over even the toughest of creatures.

Ginny met her husband her senior year in high school. Cruising through Tacoma with her best friend, she caught the eye of two young men in their Camaro. Those men, Jack and Duane, went on to become her husband and her lifelong friend.

Ginny and Jack were married in July of 1976. In 1979 they welcomed their first girl, Kristin, followed by a second, Julie, in 1982. Ginny was equal parts mother and best friend, and Kristin and Julie could never be found far from their mother’s side. It was a relationship that endured, the three girls talking and sharing stories daily.

Ginny was a competitor, and her love of sports was not lost on her girls. Her family always cheered her on in softball games while she surprised the opposition with throws from the outfield home, and she taught Kristin and Julie how to compete with the same enthusiasm she had. Ginny supported her girls in all their endeavors, from sports to academics. The sounds of her cowbell and her yells from the bleachers are still echoing in the ballfields and gynmasiums of Puyallup, proudly declaring her dedication as a mother and coach.

Ginny welcomed her first grandson, Wyatt, in 2008. The two were instantly inseparable, as she taught Wyatt the finer points of cooking, digging for worms in the garden, and cheering on the UW Huskies. Wyatt quickly learned how to get a rise out of “Mama Ginny” by yelling “Go Tougars!’”but her first grandson could do no wrong in her eyes. She loved him like only a grandmother can. Ginny’s second grandson, Cody, was born on May 12, 2011. She only knew him briefly, but the stories of her life will undoubtedly be a common theme in his.

Ginny passed away on May 14, 2011 due to complications in her cancer treatment. As in life, her loving family was by her side. She was a strong woman, and left an indelible mark on every life she touched. She will be dearly missed.

Due to Ginny's love for the UW Huskies, the family encourages all attendees of the memorial service to wear purple in her honor.