Virginia Brown
Virginia “Ginny” Brown, age 94, of Colby, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby. Father Amir Stanislaus presided. Interment followed at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery in Loyal. A visitation was held from 9 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.
Ginny was born June 3, 1929, in Greenwood, to J. Vernon and Louise (Millard) Smith. She graduated from Loyal High School in 1947. United in marriage to Edward R. Brown on June 14, 1947, Ed and Ginny were married for over 67 years, until Ed’s passing in 2014. Together they raised ten children.
Ginny worked at John H. Keel Photography in Colby for 13 years. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Christian Mothers, and VFW Auxiliary. Ginny raised, showed and groomed dogs for many years. Ginny was a long time volunteer and board member of the Friends of the Colby Community Library. She was a prolific quilter, a member of Pine Tree Quilt Guild and Curtiss Corner Quilters. She shared her husband’s passion in aviation during their marriage. Ginny is survived by her ten children: Steve (Karen), Unity; Tom (Sue), Hartford; Larry, Wausau; Donna, White Bear Lake, Minn.; Pat (Jodi), West Bend; Jeff (Cheryl), St. Cloud, Minn.; Mary (David) Erfert, Houston, Texas; Carol (John) Staab, Dorchester; Barb (Tom) Ritzinger, Rice Lake, and Rob (Maggie), Marshfield. She is also survived by many grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her brothers: Vernon “Bud” (Joan) Smith, Loyal, and Arnold Smith, Liberty, Kan.
Ginny was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, infant son David, and brothers: Eldon Smith and Ronald Smith.
Special thanks to Chris Brown, Billie Jean Lang, Jim and Theresa Hagen, Wally and Jeanette Schorer and Lauri Weber for their friendship and assistance over the years. Deep appreciation to The Waterford staff and Promedica Hospice for their kind and attentive care.
Mom always said she didn’t want flowers after she was dead. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund or the Colby Community Library.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
Paid obituary 140515
