Our beloved mother, Virginia Lee Minturn, Ginny, age 96 of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 10, 2022. Member of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge.
Ginny was born December 9,1925 on the family farm near Gallatin, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Weiser and Floyd S. Tuggle; half-brother, James Tuggle; sister Jane Ann Paul; first husband Lawrence Wiltgen; son-in-law Terry Moore and by her second husband of 61 years, Robert E. Minturn. Ginny is survived by four children; Mark Minturn (Pam); Nancy Minturn (David Landau); Becky Moore; and David Minturn (Mary); 8 grandchildren; 8 great- grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ginny graduated from Gallatin High School where she first learned to play the clarinet; attended Lindenwood College for one year and graduated from Iowa State University earning a degree in Home Economics with an emphasis in Child Development. She played the clarinet in the university marching band.
Being a long-time resident of Oak Ridge these past 66 years, Ginny was quite active in the community while raising a family. She served as the President of Oak Ridge Nursery School while the children attended; served as Girl Scout Troop leader & publicity Chair; Volunteered with Daniel Arthur Vocational Rehabilitation program as a tutor and typing teacher; School Liaison for Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse; Volunteer at the Oak Ridge Community Playhouse helping with props and acting in three plays; Co-Chair of St. Mary’s Fall Festival; Publicity Chair for the Catholic Women’s Club; Girl Scout Leader; Longtime member of PEO (an educational/service organization) for the past 75 years, serving as president & various positions through the years; Clerk at the Cloth Shop which complimented her sewing skills; served on the board and a volunteer at the Nearly New Shop at YWCA for many years; Member of Altrusa Club; Served as a Welcome Wagon Hostess for 14 years and thoroughly enjoyed helping new residents become acquainted with Oak Ridge; Played clarinet in the East Tennessee Concert Band & Oak Ridge Community Band for numerous years up into her 90’s.
Hobbies included tennis; knitting; sewing; reading; bridge; attending plays, concerts and traveling. She went on many interesting trips around the world with her husband, Bob. She also traveled with the East Tennessee Concert Band to Washington, DC and to New York City to play at Carnegie Hall.
All those who knew Ginny frequently commented on her positive attitude, remarkable energy, and kindness. She enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and loved having her family around her. Our mother specialized in celebrating birthdays and holidays. She made elaborate cakes and organized neighborhood parties. April Fools was also celebrated with pranks galore!
Special thanks to all her personal caregivers; medical staff through Amedisys Home Health and Hospice, all of whom provided loving and compassionate care for our mother.
A Celebration of her Life will be held on December 3, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge, TN. Receiving of friends at 2:00p.m. with the service to follow at 3:00p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Oak Ridge Community Band (https://orcb.org/); the Oak Ridge Community Playhouse (https://www.orplayhouse.com/); or the Oak Ridge Community Symphony Orchestra (https://orcma.org/). Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.