Virginia Demke Oettinger

Virginia Demke Oettinger " Loving Wife, Mother  and Grandmother"  Our dearest Virginia "Ginny" Karoline (Demke) Oettinger, age 82, passed away surrounded by her loved ones, on Wednesday May 21, 2003.  Ginny was born to Frank and Karoline Demke on July 6, 1920 in Salt Lake City, UT, both immigrants from Germany. Ginny was the second eldest of six children. Ginny often reflected on the many fond memories of her childhood and family. Ginny graduated from Murray High School in 1939 and worked at the Murray Laundry earning 25 cents/hour. For many years, Ginny enjoyed working at the Dyches Pharmacy in Murray. Ginny fell for a handsome man in a uniform, Charles Oettinger, and they were married on February 12, 1942.  Ginny was always hardworking, detail-oriented and a caring individual, who often put others needs in front of her own. When Ginny's father became too ill to work bailing hay on their 5-acre land, Ginny and her sisters, loaded and unloaded 100 pound bails of hay for him. Ginny was always diligent to get whatever job she was doing, done. Ginny had struggles in life yet persevered with strength and honor. Ginny excelled at whatever task she chose. Ginny was an avid, passionate gardener, who enjoyed spending endless hours in the sun with her flowers and vegetables. People would often stop and marvel at how beautiful her flowers were. Her rose bushes were her prize possessions.  For over thirty years, Ginny has been very enthusiastic about all types of sporting events. Ginny loved to attend BYU football and basketball games with her family. On a given day, she would even route for the U of U and Utah State, if they weren't playing BYU. Ginny enjoyed watching sports on television, and one day, we even found Ginny watching college basketball draft picks. Ginny attended several bowl games for BYU at Penn State, Alabama, Oregon, Navy, Texas, UCLA and Florida to name a few. Ginny was very excited when she met Steve Young in an elevator. Over the years, Ginny loved vacationing with her family. She experienced much joy being around her family. Throughout her lifetime, Ginny has touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Although she only gave birth to three children, she was a mother to us all, especially her grandchildren, and great-grand-children. Her great-grandchildren were very blessed to spend time with her. We all have been fortunate to have her in our lives. Ginny is leaving a big hole in our lives. She is strong and someone we admired and looked up to. We love you. The family would like to extend their gratitude for the compassionate care she received while at Cottonwood and LDS hospitals.  Ginny is survived by her husband, Charles M. Oettinger, daughter, Susan O. Shaw, sons, David L. Oettinger and Stevie Oettinger; surrogate daughter, Denise Eckersley; siblings, Dorothy Armistead, Mary (Earl) D. Carlston, John (Darlene) Demke, and Kay (Don) D. Johnson; nieces, Ann (Jim) Linton, Joy (Reagan) Rasband and Christine Demke, nephew, Donny Johnson; grandchildren, Neil Oettinger, Angie J. Shaw, Mike Shaw Mindy (Adam) O. Mahler, and Aaron Shaw; great-grandchildren, Bailey June Shaw, Alyssa Lynn Ogden and Jadon Paul Mahler. Preceded in death by her parents, brother, Ray Demke, and son-in-law, Curtis Lynn Shaw.  Funeral services will be Saturday May 24, 2003 2:00 p.m. at the Jenkins Soffe Mortuary 4760 South State where friends may call Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday one hour prior to services. Interment Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. A wake will be held in her honor for family and friends following the services.