Virginia Smith Widmayer

Virginia "Ginny" Smith Widmayer, age 79, a beloved mother and grandmother passed away at her home under the loving care of her family and Elara Caring Hospice. After a long courageous battle with COPD. She passed in the early morning of April 17, 2025 with her daughter Tracy, son Dan, daughter in law Cindy and her sister Sheila by her side. She was born November 17,1945 in Happy, Kentucky to Everett and Elsie Ray Smith.
Virginia is survived by her children Daniel (Cindy) Richardson, Tracy (Tim) Mattice, Grandchildren Cody (Francia) Richardson, Joshua (Nicoleta) Richardson and Kerra (Cory) Quintanilla, Kaylee and Paige Mattice. Great Grandchildren Santiago, Austin, Jacob, Kaiden, London, Miguel and Stella. Her sister Sheila Childs. Nieces Leanne Williams Petrie, Julie Childs, Sheri Lynn Brown, nephew Joe (Jennifer and family) Childs and several great nieces and nephews. Virginia is also survived by her beloved kitty Cali and her dearest friends Ethel Lentz, Curly (Maggie) Updyke, Larry (Rose) Jones.
She is preceded in death by the love of her life Philip C Widmayer (over 41 years), parents and step fathers Elsie (Paul) Reynolds, Charles C Miller and father Everett Brown. Mother in law, Margaret Widmayer & in-laws. Siblings, Denzil Brown and Robert Miller, nephew Charles Elliot (Miller), niece Virginia Elaine Brown and great nephew Derek Petrie. She is also preceded in death by her loving dog Toby.
Virginia took great pride in her flower gardens, especially the roses that Phil and her planted. They had several grape vines and she would have her mother come out to the house to help make grape jelly. They had also planted a Pawpaw tree and just this last fall it actually produced some fruit and she was so excited.
Virginia and her beloved husband Phil loved going to see live band performances, particularly Flyte. She had a great love of music. She was a long time member of the Eagles #612 in Jackson, She loved going to her other home in Harrison, Mi. Phil and her took many trips to Las Vegas with family and friends. Also, she loved looking at the night time sky, especially when there was going to be a special occurrence (eclipse, moon phases). She collected beanie babies, clowns and her latest collection was of elephants. But most of all Virginia took great pride and joy in her children and being "Nana" to her grand-daughters and "Grandma" to her grandson's and loved attending many events of her grandchildren. Virginia is greatly cherished and adored by her children and grandchildren. Her absence will be deeply felt and she will be greatly missed by all those who knew her. Virginia also worked at Sears for many years.
The family would like to thank Auntie (Sheila Childs) for being there for mom after Phil passed away and for taking such good care of our mom. Also would like to thank Sara with Elara Caring Hospice for their sincere care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Virginia: to Elara Caring Hospice Care Foundation, COPD Foundation, or F.O.E. Eagles Auxiliary #612.
Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held May 10, 2025 from 12:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles #612, 301 Detroit St. Jackson, Mi. 49201.