Obituary

Virginia C. Ely, 95, of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2022. Born June 5, 1927, in Los Angeles, CA, the daughter of James Leroy and Pauline (Metz) Lewis. Graduate of East High School, Class of 1945. In 1945 Ginny was working at Camp Grant in Rockford. She supervised the Troop supply store. This is where she met her future husband, Leon “Wig” D. Ely. They were married on August 10, 1946, in Cement, OK. He predeceased her on June 15,2005. They leave behind a legacy of love and deep commitment to their family. After starting a family and her children became school age Ginny attended Alberto’s School of Cosmetology. Leon built her a hair salon in their home. She ran Ginny’s Beauty Shop successfully for 48 years. Ginny was loved by her family and friends above all else. Se was an incredibly generous person, thinking of everyone else and devoted herself as a wife, mother, grandma and great-grandmother. Nothing made her happier in her later years than watching her grandchildren grow and start families of their own. She enjoyed traveling all over the country, attending many Army reunions with Leon, sailed cruise ships to tropical destinations and a 50th Anniversary trip to Maui. Ginny was an avid reader, especially the books by her favorite author, Catherine Cookson. She also loved baking and will be remembered fondly for her bird’s nest and molasses cookies. Roger and Hammerstein musicals were her favorite, with the Sound of Music at the top of her list.

Ginny is survived by her children, James (Karen) Ely and Susan (David) Lange both of Rockford; grandchildren, Erin (Andrew) Leighty of Summerville, SC and Tim (Amanda) Lange of Eau Claire, WI; great-grandchildren, Tyler Leighty and Margaret & Nathan Lange; sister-in-law, Doris Miller; and many nieces and nephews. Also predeceased by her parents; and sisters, Ruth Collura and Dorothy Johnson.

She has left a hole in the hearts of those that have known and loved her. Finally at peace, she has been reunited with her loving husband and her family finds comfort knowing that Ginny and Wig are together once again.

Private graveside services will be held in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. To send a condolence or share a memory, please visit olsonfh.com