Virginia Schaffner, affectionately known as “Ginny”, age 79, of rural Fayette, entered eternal rest while peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Born August 19, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Mary Jane (Allen) Gillen. Virginia grew up in the Lyons, OH area and graduated from then Lyons High School, and later earned a degree in Cosmetology. She and her true love, Alan Schaffner, were married on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1958.
A farmer’s wife, Ginny happily rolled up her sleeves and learned the operations and bookkeeping of the farm business. Together with Alan, they proudly raised pigs and crops for nearly 60 years. Ginny served as a 4H leader in Fulton County for many years and was a delegate for the State Pork Producers. As a cancer survivor, she volunteered for many years for Reach to Recovery, and touched countless lives. She loved being outdoors, and enjoyed mowing her lawn as well tending to her annual flower beds that adorned her yard.
In addition to raising her children and helping on the farm, Ginny also worked for 22 years as a sales associate and personal shopper at the former Lion Department Store in Toledo. In 2011, Ginny became a part-time staff member of the Eagle Funeral Homes family. Ever-ready with a smile and comforting word, she served as a greeter, a position she well-complemented with her love of people and warm, energetic personality.
In her spare time, Ginny enjoyed reading books of Amish stories and most importantly, spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren. She and Alan were active members of the Fayette United Methodist Church, where Ginny spent many years as a Sunday School teacher.
In addition to her husband of 60 years, Alan, she is survived by a daughter, Melanie Glover of Indianapolis, IN; three sons, Mark (Fawn) Schaffner of Fayette, Mitch (Renae) Schaffner of Fayette, and Marty (Jackie) Schaffner of Morenci; a sister, Marilyn (Woody) Blaylock of Lakeland, FL; and a brother, Thomas (Concha) Gillen of Miami, FL. A doting grandmother, she also is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Abby (Ben), Jenna (Brad), Lindsey (Mike), Wes (Katie), Nate, and Zach; and ten great-grandchildren, Hannah, Wyatt, Kennedy, Kasen, Mesa, Luke, Bryn, Mick, Isabella, and Myla.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Monday, August 6, 2018, from 2-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home in Fayette. A funeral service for Ginny will be held on Tuesday, August 7, at the Fayette United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeff Bandy officiating.
Memorial contributions in honor of Ginny can be made to Fayette United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society. Friends can share memories and words of comfort with the family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.