Virginia B. "Ginger" Edwards

1925 - 2010

Virginia (Ginger) B. Edwards August 17, 1925 - October 17, 2010 Virginia (Ginger) B. Edwards was born to Lillian Maxine Tillery Feldhut and Walter Frederick Feldhut in their home in Iuka, Kansas on August 17, 1925. She passed peacefully on Sunday, October 17, with her daughter by her side. In Ginger's early years, her family moved to Central California and finally settled in Bakersfield. She married James Allen Edwards from Taft, CA in October 1942. Had both of them still been with us, they would have celebrated their 68th anniversary on the 28th. In February 1943, Jim entered the military. On his 23rd bombing mission over Austria on July 26, 1944, his plane was shot down. In September 1944, Ginger was notified by the War Department that Jim was being held as a Prisoner of War in Kurpension Marienbheim Hospital in Graz Germany. In January 1945, Ginger gave birth to their daughter, Marsha Lyn Edwards. In April 1945, the family was reunited. A son, James Allen Edwards, Jr. was born on his mother's birthday on August 17, 1951. Ginger was a devoted, hardworking wife and mother. She was teased by family and friends that their home was always so clean, you could eat off the floor. And that was the truth. Their son, Jimmer, died from cancer, at the age of 22 years. His memory became an integral part of the family's life. An honest and frank woman, Ginger had a devoted circle of friends, some whom she had known since they were teenagers. In her last few years, the friends would talk frequently about their teenage antics and caring for their husbands and children. At the age of 50, she proudly learned to drive a car. Following that milestone in her life, she decided to learn oil painting and quickly became an amazing artist. In 1979, Marsha returned to Bakersfield with her husband, David and their children, Aaron Edwards Brandt and Summer Lyn Brandt. Over the next several years, Jim and Ginger actively enjoyed their grandchildren. This year, Ginger was thrilled and blessed with two great grandchildren. On April 25th, Summer and Mike Stallmann gave birth to their son, Parker James Stallmann. Five weeks later, Ginger's grandson, Aaron Edwards Brandt and his wife, Emily Brandt gave birth to their son, Dylan Paul Brandt. Ginger turned 85 in August and was celebrated by her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and their spouses and most of all her great grand babies. Ginger is survived by her sister, Bonnie Heady and her children, Trudie, Susan and Katy. She leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and her favorite love, her dog, Abby. Viewing is today Thursday, Oct. 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Mortuary, with Graveside services on Friday, Oct. 22, at 2:00 p.m., at Hillcrest. www.bakersfield.com/obits