Ginny Rothstein Obituary

Ginny Arlis Rhoads Rothstein

1938 - 2025

Salt Lake City, UT-Virginia Arlis Rhoads Rothstein died at the University of Utah Hospital on June 16 at the age of 87. Ginny was warm and loving and witty and responsible and principled. It was a joy to have her near you. She liked cats and the occasional dog. She made excellent corn relish and the world's best raspberry jelly. She loved her family, loved her friends. She knew how to listen. She always tried to recognize and understand the challenges of others. She worked on behalf of others all her life. She was a wonderful woman, wife, mother, grandmother. She was a teacher, a life-long learner, and a steadfast friend. Ginny's death leaves us lost, but she will always be remembered with great love by everyone who knew her.

Ginny was born in Akron, Ohio, on May 5, 1938. She grew up as a farm girl, cherishing memories of that time throughout her life. Her family moved to Jacksonville, Florida when she was still quite young. Beginning at age 13, necessity forced her to learn to drive independently and to play a central role in running a household. By the time she reached college age she was increasingly on her own. She graduated with a BA in Education from the University of Florida, later earning an MA in Education from the University of Utah. She served as a Special Education teacher in the Salt Lake Valley for over three decades, leading classes for children with learning disabilities as well as gifted students. Her bond with students was a strong one, lasting throughout her life.

Ginny is survived by Gerry, her husband of 63 years, their sons, Mark and Bret, their daughters-in-law, Karen and Mary, and their grandchildren, Claire and Ian. We miss her so.

We thank the health professionals and staff at the University of Utah Hospital for their kind, compassionate and expert care, and for the support they provided Gerry, Mark, and Bret. In place of flowers, we ask that those wishing to do so contribute to a charity of their choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Jun. 24 to Jul. 5, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ginny Rothstein

12 Entries

Nan and Jeff Richard

July 8, 2025

Jeff and I have fond memories of Ginny. She was kind, gentle, and gracious. We enjoyed seeing her each month in our bridge/dinner group. She touched many lives and will be missed. We send love to your family.

jim stewart

July 6, 2025

I worked with Ginny at a middle school. She was such a kind and creative teacher for those students in Sped. She was very smart and always had new ideas to help students with their learning. I will never forget how calm she was when we were in Ann´s office and saw one of the students climbing on her brand new car. She was calm and matter of fact and went and got him and talked with him about it. She was calm never raised her voice with him. What a lesson it was for me! I will miss seeing her and her wisdom. I am sorry she is gone.

Shahpar Ghodsi

July 5, 2025

Oh dear dear friend of many years and tennis partner Ginny,
The hurt in the depth of my heart and soul is not subsiding at all weeks after you have crossover, yet grateful that faith brought us together some years ago. My memories of you are countless-- on the tennis court where it started, continued to visit in cafes and staurants, in our homes, walk in the park, gathering with friends, The exquisite tea table you set, and best of all your beautiful calm demeanor that would put me at ease every time we talked. Sorry that I never became a good painter despite your continuous encouragement. Instead, I have a box full of your lovely paintings you did in many thank-you notes you sent me at different occasions.
As I said in my letter to you after you left, I am waiting for a visit with you soon.
Shahpar

Valerie Allen

July 4, 2025

Ginny was a meaningful mentor to me as I entered the field of Gifted Education. She was always cool, calm, and collected. I remember how much fun we had taking our students to the 2002 Olympic events! A Great life she led.

James S Wood

July 3, 2025

I wish to send my sincere condolences on hearing of Ginny's passing. I hope you are doing well old friend.

Kristine Widner

July 2, 2025

Ginny was my artist friend. We were part of a Saturday group of eclectic sketchers who met sporadically to illustrate our journeys. Ginny and I often connected in Holladay to draw, journal, chat and solve the world´s problems. She was smart, clever, artistic and reflected a life well-lived. Rest in Peace my friend.
Kristine Widner

Lise Brunhart

June 30, 2025

Ginny made delicious 'small cakes' when we came over.She was a talented artist and mastered any media she took on, especially drawing and painting What a dear being.She is missed.Sending love to her family.

Dixie Huefner

June 26, 2025

Gerry,
Ginny was also a great student --a star in the class I taught in the U. Special Ed. Dep't. And she had a warm, calming demeanor. I wish I'd seen her and you more often over the years because I think we had many values in common. My condolences to you and your sons,

Graydon Harker

June 26, 2025

Gerry, I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know her well, but I recall she was very nice to me as a young student.

Linda Hansen

June 26, 2025

Ginny always had a smile on her face. I loved watching her take care of her wonderful roses. She was the greatest neighbor. She will be missed

Joan Wolf

June 26, 2025

So sorry to learn of Ginny's death. We go back many years...I was her advisor in her Master's program at the University of Utah. i so admired her brilliance, her skills in interacting with others, her quiet but determined approach to solving problems. She was a beautiful person, both inside and out! May you be surrounded by the love and comfort of family and friends at this difficult time. Joan Wolf

Polly Chapman

June 26, 2025

Ginny was such a wonderful lady! I am sorry for your loss and know she will be missed.
With warm regards, Polly Chapman RN

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