Virginia VanAntwerp

Virginia “Ginny” R. VanAntwerp, 92, of St. Joseph went to meet her Lord in the early morning of October 19, 2020.

Ginny wanted all her family and friends to gather to Celebrate all the wonderful memories they share about her. A memorial service is being planned for the spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers Ginny asked any donations be made to the Ferris State University - Pharmacy Opportunity Fund or the Lakeland Foundation - Community Wellness Endowment. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Ginny was born on September 21,1928 in a small farmhouse on the outskirts of Clio, MI. She was the youngest child born to Arthur and Lena Curtis. She graduated from Hart High School in 1946 and that fall enrolled in the Ferris College of Pharmacy. She got a job in Big Rapids at an eatery called “Bucks” to help pay for college. It was there she met, as she wrote, “the nicest person in the whole world”, who came in every day to order tomato soup and a toasted cheese sandwich and who happened to sit behind her in chemistry class, her future husband, Jack VanAntwerp. They were married at the First Congregational Church in Hart, MI in 1947 and both became registered pharmacists upon graduation from Ferris.

Ginny worked at the pharmacy in Memorial Hospital for over 25 years and later owned a card and gift shop “Ginger Snaps” from 1975 to 1984. She was also involved with the Congregational Church of Benton Harbor, and Child and Family Services of the twin cities. Ginny loved golf and bowling and playing cards, especially bridge, and the Detroit Tigers. Ginny loved being with her family and friends and she was a wonderful cook.

Ginny is survived by her sons: David (Carole) VanAntwerp of Watervliet, Steve (Lorie) VanAntwerp of Winter Springs, FL, Kevin (Beth) VanAntwerp of Fort Mill, SC, and Tim (Patty) VanAntwerp of St. Joseph; 12 grand children, and 11 great grand children; and her sister, Doris Keldie of Boca Raton, Fl.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Jack in January 1991, and her siblings Kenneth, Ethyl, and Roland, and one great grand child Conner.

Arrangements entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman