Virginia Jean Ruggiero

Virginia Jean Vincent Clark Ruggiero (“Ginny”) was born on October 11,1925, in Fort Lupton, Colorado, the daughter of Elizabeth “Beth” Knous Vincent and Rollie Jacob Vincent. She grew up in Fort Lupton, earned her high school diploma there, graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a degree in Spanish. She eventually began her career in 1955 as a fourth-grade elementary school teacher.

Familiarly known to family and friends as “Ginny” or “Aunt Ginny”. Ginny was vivacious, energetic and inquisitive about all aspects of life. She married Boyd Clark from Minturn, Colorado in 1948. Boyd was self-employed in the excavation business, operating heavy equipment for site work and excavation for new homes.

Ginny and Boyd had happy years together during which they built a loving home. Ginny and Boyd very much wanted children, but it wasn't meant to be. That was definitely a sadness she carried with her. She and Boyd shared a home on a high bank above the Platte River in Wheatridge. They enjoyed family picnics and hiking in the mountains, playing cards with friends and many social activities.

It is noteworthy that Ginny’s siblings, sister and brothers-in-law helped each other in the construction of their homes, John Martin, Sr. drawing the plans and preparing the blueprints, Boyd the excavation, John Willard performing the masonry, Hugh “Bud” Grothe installing the electrical and other family members providing meals (“chili” always a favorite) and other hands-on support. These were great times of family camaraderie and accomplishment.

Boyd was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1954 and bravely fought the disease for many years, during which Ginny continued teaching while keeping home life as comfortable and normal as possible, adding equipment to facilitate mobility. Boyd retained a good spirit and always said “Yeah, Yeah, Man!” when offered a cup of coffee and a cigarette. Boyd died in February 1976

Ginny retired from teaching in 1979 at the age of 54 and married Joseph Ruggiero on September 1 of that year. Joe had lost his wife Shirley, the mother of their three daughters, after a long debilitating disease. Much of Joe’s career took place in Casper, Wyoming where he owned and operated a successful gasoline and oil business. Both Ginny and Joe had been caregivers for their spouses and were well acquainted with the challenges and responsibilities.

Joe and Ginny were great for one another. They had known each other throughout the years of their previous marriages because of family connections. Joe's deceased wife Shirley and Ginny were first cousins; so, it was a natural coming together, both still healing, yet seeking to move forward in life to write a new chapter with the promise of fulfillment, fun and adventure. Being highly social, they enjoyed meeting new people and traveling extensively throughout the Rockies, the USA and Europe. They enjoyed working together on yard beautification projects in Denver, dining out, playing cards and being with family. Joe was taken too soon and died in February 1992

After living singly for several years Ginny made the decision to enter Covenant Living of Colorado, a residential life care facility in Westminster. Macular degeneration was stealing her eyesight reinforcing her decision to prepare for future care.

Ginny made many new friends at Covenant Village and became a member of Elder Garden, enjoying fellowship on local outings and more distant bus trips.

Ginny was a good sport and somewhat adventurous, even going on a high school date with her nephew Dana and later joining him and his bride Leyda on their honeymoon in Italy! She was always ready for the next thing and was famous for “scarfing” down a perfectly good meal, hardly tasting it, to get on to what was coming next.

Ginny was not exactly “pushy”, but could be quite inquisitive, often asking “why”? That was a question, perhaps from urging her former students to probe more deeply. Ginny had questions including things within her Christian faith. She was unafraid to ask the hard questions and found some religious compatibility in the writings of Bishop John Shelby Spong, a prolific Episcopal priest.

Ginny was a member of the Arvada United Methodist Church for nearly 50 years. She joined United Women in Faith Lydia Group at her church in 2007. Ginny was a generous supporter of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).

Ginny influenced many with her teaching and family. She delighted in becoming a stepmother and step-grandmother to Joe’s children and grandchildren.

She is survived by three stepdaughters, Marcia Shanor, Gail Broderick and Clare Rude, 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, nephews Jack, Dana and Mitchell Martin, Lance, Lee and Greg Grothe, Niece Lynn Warner, nephews Kent and Brett Jolley, and Kevin Willard. Her deceased siblings include Clara Lee Martin, R.J. Vincent, Jr., Lucile Grothe, Beverly Willard and Mary Jolley.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, 375 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034.

Special thanks to her caregivers, her family, her friends and her church family.

A Celebration of Life will be held For Virginia on February 25th at 4:00 P.M. in Brighten at The Alli Event center, 100 S. 3rd Ave, Brighton, CO 80601. Please join us following the service for a memorial dinner.