Virginia "Ginny" Van Liew

COOLIDGE — Virginia Lee “Ginny” Van Liew, 79, died on June 23, 2013, at Oasis Pavilion Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Casa Grande.

The memorial service and celebration of life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Community Presbyterian Church in Coolidge.

Ms. Van Liew was born on Nov. 21, 1933, in Pueblo, Colo., to Ralph and Bessie Vail. She grew up with her brother Ralph Jr. “Buster” and sister Janet. She married her high school sweetheart and had five children. The family moved to Richland, Wash., in 1960, and she mothered her children through all their sports activities while working full time at Hanford Nuclear Reservation until she retired in 1984.

She later married Larry Merrill, and they took to the road in their RV. They traveled with their two dogs throughout the United States, acting as park hosts at many campgrounds where they met some of their best friends before settling in Casa Grande. She was a fun-loving, caring and special friend to all and energized and comforted old and new friends with a vivacious personality and kindred spirit, even as her health deteriorated. She was devoted to her family.

Survivors include five daughters and sons, Karen Van Liew-Creek of Carnation, Wash., Cindy Hoffman of Phoenix, Vicki Truitt of Frisco, Texas, Frank Van Liew of Vancouver, Wash., and Stephen Van Liew of Liberty Lake, Wash.; her sister, Janet Gish of Denver; and 12 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and brother.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Valley, 2020 E. Woodside Court, Gilbert, AZ 85297.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.