Virginia Elizabeth Haugen's Obituary
Virginia (Ginny) Watts Haugen, 95, passed away peacefully under the loving care of her family on January 11, 2024. Ginny was a beautiful woman whose spirit embraced her faith, family, and friends. She was born in Wheelersburg, Ohio to the late Dewey Watts and Ada Kelley Watts on September 6, 1928. After graduating as Salutatorian from Wheelersburg High School in 1946, Ginny earned her BA in Education from Bob Jones University. There she met her beloved Arnie, a WWII Navy veteran from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They married on August 25, 1949, moving to Michigan to begin their careers in education and were married for 66 years, until his death in September of 2015.
Ginny was the last surviving sibling born to her parents, with Arnold, Joe, Jack, and Dottie predeceasing her. Also preceding her in death are Alfred and Dena Haugen (parents-in-law); Alfred Jr. and Ruth Haugen, Jennie and Everett Graves, Roald and Marilyn Haugen, Gordon and Sherry Haugen, May Haugen, and Betty Watts (brothers-and-sisters-in-law). She was a guiding light of love and dedication to her three children who survive her: Karen (George) Wilcox of Jackson, MI; Dena (John) Dardzinski of Dataw Island, SC; and Craig Haugen of Temperance, MI. Three granddaughters, Lindsey Haugen, Amber (Ron) Hoage, and Cassi (Zach) Bynum, and great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Jasper, Welles, and Silas survive as well as one sister-in-law, Francis Watts.
Ginny spent her life in service to her Lord and others. Whether it was attending to her children and grandchildren; teaching and helping many others achieve their goals; assisting Arnie in his leadership roles; or volunteering throughout her lifetime, she was a positive, kind, steady, and resilient presence. In her professional role, she taught everything from Kindergarten to Spanish in Kalkaska, Cement City, Brooklyn, and Columbia School Districts; she was one of the first Head Start teachers in Jackson County; and retired in 1987 from CCHS to care for her aging mother. “Conscientious, thorough, flexible and highly ethical” were words that were attributed to her upon retirement after a stellar career. In volunteering, she was supportive and involved in many avenues which helped others: at LOVE, Inc. of Jackson for 10+ years; with her church - Sunday School teacher, deaconess, Vacation Bible School teacher, choir member, hostess, etc.; a lifetime and founding member of the Brooklyn Book Club; a Band Booster; and attendance at her children’s and grandchildren’s school events and activities.
Upon retirement, Ginny and Arnie visited many of our nation’s Presidential homes and enjoyed many winters in Bradenton, Florida. They were active in their church and enjoyed playing golf and Uno with friends. She became a proficient medical advocate for Arnie and cared for him at home until his death.
Ginny was always positive, always gracious, and always generous. She enjoyed a well-lived and well-loved life. Her patience, laughter, humility, and love enriched people’s lives.
The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Karen and Skip who lovingly, patiently, and efficiently cared for Mom, in their home, since March of 2020. In addition, we thank Pat Watterson Panter who spent much time with Mom and provided in-home support. Our cousin, Barbara King, enriched Mom’s life with her regular and wonderful phone calls during the last few months; every phone call brightened Mom’s days. Although she was only there for a short time, the Henry Ford Hospice Home cared for Mom with attentiveness and compassion during Mom’s final hours.
Through Ginny, the Lord has blessed us with a lifetime of stories, memories, laughter, and love. Ginny’s Memorial will be held at Ganson Street Baptist Church in Jackson, MI on April 20, 2024, with Visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by her Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will also be April 19, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Eineder Funeral Homes – Brooklyn Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Jackson Community Foundation, the Henry Ford Hospice Home, or Love, Inc.- Jackson County. Please leave a message of comfort for Virginia’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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