Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 7/20/2005

Virginia Sechrist

Aug. 20, 1940 -- July 13, 2005

Virginia "Ginny" Sechrist, 64, formerly of Jackson Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away after an extended illness at 4:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, in Saint Joseph Care Center-West, South Bend.

She was the eldest daughter of Morse and Maxine Wilborn. Preceding her in death were her parents, and her eldest daughter, Tamara Lee, who passed away in 1974.

Surviving are four daughters, Kim (Jon) Reams of Red Oak, N.C., Robin (Bill) Ezzell and Charlene (Dennis) Womble, both of Rocky Mount, N.C., and Michele Parker of Mishawaka, IN; 10 grandchildren, Tanya, Casey, Brandon, Jason, Chad, Kyle, Will, Dakota, Montana and Nevada; one great-grandson, Dylan; and soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, Riley. There are also two sisters, Roberta "Bobbie" Rogenski and Doris "Dodie" Gerhold, both of Mishawaka, IN.

Until recent months, Ginny has been an active member of American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #303 of South Bend. She enjoyed serving the community through various activities and had throughout her membership held offices of vice president and chaplain, and had been chairman of Children & Youth and Poppy Chairman in which she took first place in the state for her 2004 Poppy arrangement. She had been a member of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority in the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Rocky Mount, NC, for many years along with serving several different PTA organizations throughout her daughters' educational years. She was a devoted housewife and mother for most of her life.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the memorial service at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, in Coalbush United Methodist Church, Mishawaka, IN, Pastor Jim Davidson presiding.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County or to the American Heart Association Go Red for Women.

Elkhart Cremation Services, 2100 W. Franklin St., Elkhart, IN, is in charge of arrangements.