Virginia "Ginny" M. Freeman

When reflecting on the life of Virginia Freeman, words such as gentle, soft spoken, and gracious come to mind. She lived a life of purpose that was deeply rooted in faith that was the compass she used to direct her steps. Ginny, or Grandma Ginn Ginn as she was affectionally called by her grandchildren, was blessed to share much of her journey with the love of her life with whom she was proud to witness her family tree blossom to include children and grandchildren she adored. With unending love for others and a heart that beat to serve those around her, she created a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that will be forever cherished by all who were within her reach.

With the end of WWII in 1945, America was shifting to being a nation at peace once again. The decade that followed was a prosperous time filled with countless advancements that shaped the cultural landscape of America. Rock n roll burst onto the scene with legends like Elvis Presley, televisions were becoming part of our homes in increasing numbers, and the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union was in full swing by the end of the decade. It was just as this decade was dawning that a young couple from Noble County, Indiana, was pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Virginia M., on March 29, 1950. She was the only child born to her parents, Hobart E. and Helen V. Yoder, and she was raised on the family farm while experiencing an upbringing that was a reflection of the times. Ginny, as she was usually known, attended local schools and graduated from Perry Center School in 1968.

It was also during this same year that life was forever changed for Ginny when she met the young man with whom she would write a love story that would span more than 40 years. His name was Maurice Freeman, and they were set up on a blind date by one of her friends. Because it was a blind date, he never did bother to ask her for her fathers name, which meant that he had some difficulty locating her to ask her for a second date. Morry ended up asking the switchboard operator for a list of all the Yoders in the area, however, he needed to come up with a different plan when he discovered that the list was over two pages long! Persistence paid off in the end as a second date led to more dates, and three years later they were married on May 29, 1971, in Avilla. After a couple of years Ginny and Morry moved to Whitley County.

Together Ginny and Morry were blessed to raise two children, Jeremy and Heather. She fully embraced her roles as a wife, mother, and homemaker, and she tirelessly dedicated herself to caring for her loved ones. From the time her children were able to walk they took part in helping she and Morry clean businesses through their janitorial service business known as Freeman Janitorial. As a family they enjoyed fun-filled vacations to Minnesota to fish. Christmas was a memorable time for them all as Ginny made decorating and wrapping presents such a special time. Christmas was the favorite holiday of the entire family every year.

Later in life Ginny was thrilled beyond measure to become a grandmother to Eden, Wyatt, and Trevor, and she loved spending every moment with them that she could. Grandma Ginn Ginn, as her grandchildren called her, lived out in the country, and they loved coming to visit her there, playing in the flowers and with her kittens. No matter what they were doing together, both Ginny and her grandchildren just loved being together.

Always one to be busy, Ginny experienced numerous enriching experiences. She was accompanied by an unwavering Christian faith and was a devoted member of First Church of God. At home she could often be found working out in her gardens, and since she loved flowers she had the most colorful display to show for her efforts. Ginny enjoyed her white pups and also liked cats, and they liked her, too, so much so that they followed her out to the mailbox. Additionally, she was a fan of NASCAR racing.

Known as a compassionate woman who always had a kind word and hug for anyone, Virginia Freeman was a blessing in the lives of those around her. She was soft spoken and gentle with a loving spirit and a heart that was as endless as the sky is blue. Life will never be the same without Ginny here, but her timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow her.

Virginia M. Freeman, of Columbia City, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Ginnys family includes her husband, Maurice; son, Jeremy D. (Maureen) Freeman of Columbia City; daughter, Heather M. Freeman of Fort Wayne; mother, Helen V. Yoder of Fort Wayne; and three grandchildren, Eden, Wyatt, and Trevor. Ginny was preceded in death by twin sons, Christopher and Jonathon, and her father.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2014, from 2-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2014, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home with Pastor Johnny McCallister officiating. Burial will follow at Swan Cemetery, LaOtto. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Freeman's memory to First Church of God.