Virginia “Ginny” Brown
Virginia “Ginny” Brown, 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 officiated. Interment followed at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery in Loyal. A visitation was held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the church. A livestream is available for those who were unable to attend on the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or the website. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby was 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. She married 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 10 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 the VFW Auxiliary. Ginny raised, showed and groomed dogs for many years. She was a longtime 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 10 children: Steve (Karen) of Unity; Tom (Sue) of Hartford; Larry of Wausau; Donna of White Bear Lake, Minn.; Pat (Jodi) of West Bend; Jeff (Cheryl) of St. Cloud, Minn.; Mary (David) Erfert of Houston, TX; Carol (John) Staab of Dorchester; Barb (Tom) Ritzinger of Rice Lake; and Rob (Maggie) of Marshfield. She is also survived by many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Vernon “Bud” (Joan) Smith of Loyal, and Arnold Smith of 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 the 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 140534
