Virginia "Ginger" M. Fisher

She was born on January 23, 1945, in Springfield, the daughter of Arthur Estes, Sr. and Bernadine (Draper) Estes. She enjoyed telling people her birthdate was “12345”.

Virginia was the oldest of five children and spent her childhood and a good portion of her adult life with her family and extended family living in a single block area bordered by Highland and Whittier in Springfield. The time together in that small, shared proximity established a solid foundation of family that she would carry with her and lean on throughout her life.

Virginia was a devoted mother who took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She celebrated their achievements and was a trusted source of wisdom, guidance and support during their challenges.

In 1984, Virginia met the love of her life, William P. Fisher, and on April 1, 1988, they announced they wanted to get married that day. After convincing their family it was not an April Fool’s joke, they wed in a small chapel that afternoon. For the next 31 years they shared a life of love and laughter, and spent their time involved with the DAV Auxiliary, Eagles #437, VFW Aux #10302 and the Blue Ridge Club. They also traveled, spent winters in Arizona, and enjoyed being with the family they created and loved beyond measure.

Virginia worked at Federated, Funeral Directors in Springfield for 28 years. She started as a data entry operator and retired as the supervisor of the department. At Federated she made lifelong friends and was respected for her work ethic and fairness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernadine Estes and Arthur Estes Sr.; husband, William; and brothers, Arthur J. Estes, Jr. and Steven E. Estes and son-in-law Warren Bachmann.

Virginia is survived by her son, Jim Cordery of Springfield; daughter, Susan (Kevin) Short of Sherman; stepdaughters, Jackie Fisher of Springfield, Kelly (Charlie) Dehlinger of Springfield, and Kristy Fisher of Clearwater, FL; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; sisters, Brenda (Frank) Croll of Virden and Rhea (Tom) Allard of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. She will then be laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Rd., Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.