Virginia “Ginger” Godeck, 83, of Moosic, PA passed away peacefully at her beloved country home in Forkston, PA, in the arms of her fiancé of 37 years, Tom Vermac.
Known by Ginger to all, Virginia was born a freckled red-headed baby on September 17, 1939 to the late Hilda (Wega) and Robert Butts of Moosic. In her younger days, Ginger worked as a legal and educational secretary. Following that, she spent the rest of her career working for the family business, started by her father and brother, the late Robert Butts, Jr.
Ginger found her niche as a businessperson. She was tenacious and unrelenting and may have been the most difficult person one could deal with. However, she was never taken advantage of. She had every essential characteristic needed to operate a successful business. For over twenty years, Tom and Ginger owned and managed the service department at Cee Kay Auto, welcoming many customers and forming long lasting relationships with them.
Ginger also had a brilliant mind. Her passion for learning contributed to her daily habits of completing crossword puzzles and watching game shows. At least one new word was learned in every Scrabble game that she played with her grandson.
Ginger lived a full life and had a picture-perfect memory. Until her last day, she recounted names and stories of individuals she had known years prior. She knew where every family’s homestead was in Moosic as well as their entire families’ history.
Ginger loved to travel. In her fifties and sixties, she went to Las Vegas numerous times. Ginger and Tom had a group of friends that knew how to have a good time and enjoy a “few” drinks. The stories from the trips relayed upon her return home could not be matched by any other.
Tom was lucky to spend his life with Ginger. He waited on her hand-and-foot, took countess marching orders, and endured her complaints. For his love, that was all more than worth it. He truly was her knight in shining armor. In her later years, Tom purchased her a cabin in Forkston, Wyoming County, Pa, way up in the mountains. She described it as “peaceful” and enjoyed watching the deer and bears graze outside of her bedroom window. She also loved to decorate the home with things bought at flea markets and garage sales and then invite all of her new country friends over for conversation.
Most importantly, Ginger adored her only grandson, Robert. She loved him more than anyone could love anyone. When he asked for money for toys as a child, Ginger pulled it out of her bra. When he asked for college tuition as a young adult, Ginger wrote checks. She never said no. She gave him everything she possibly could, and she is responsible for the person he is today (at least the good qualities)! As much care as Ginger provided for him as a child, Robert reciprocated when her time got short. He was truly blessed to have been able to tend to her needs, not missing visits on any days of her many hospital stays. She was most proud of his success at becoming an attorney. He will miss seeing her in the mornings and having her comment “You look so handsome!”
Fortunately, Ginger hung in there long enough to meet and know her great-granddaughter, Clara. She spent countless hours at the kitchen table bonding with her. She was glad to see that her knowledge could be passed on to future generations.
There is no replacing Ginger, and life will certainly have a profound sadness without her.
Ginger was predeceased by her loving son, Jeffrey, in 2013. Surviving, in addition to her fiancé, Tom, are her grandson, Attorney Robert Kobilinski and his wife Jennifer, and her great-granddaughter, Clara Kobilinski.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning, January 21, 2023, at 10:00am at Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with Rev. Michael Shambora of the Moosic United Methodist Church officiating. Friends may call for visitation on Friday evening, January 20th from 4pm-7pm. Interment will be held at the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery, Elmhurst.