Margaret V. Ringer

Margaret Virginia "Ginny" (Stehman) Ringer, 87, formerly of Strasburg Township, died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Strasburg Township, she was a daughter of the late William H. and Gertrude Eckman Stehman. She was the wife of the late Rev. Lester L. Ringer. Surviving is a daughter, Margaret, wife of Dr. Kent V. Flinchbaugh; and grandson, Andrew. She was preceded in death by her sister, Julia Stehman Martin. Virginia graduated from Quarryville High School in 1947. Following high school, she worked at Quarryville National Bank as the bank secretary before her marriage to Lester Ringer. She studied the pipe organ under Dr. Frank McConnell and played at St. James Episcopal church in Lancaster. She was the full time organist at Zion United Church of Christ, New Providence, her home church at the age of 18. After her marriage, she moved to Western Pennsylvania and became organist at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Derry. (Her husband was the pastor there, as well as St. John's United Church of Christ in Ligonier.) At St. Paul's she also directed three choirs and served, from 1954 to 1977. She and her husband served in a similar capacity at Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Red Lion, from 1977 to 1993. Virginia then returned to Zion United Church of Christ in New Providence in 1993 and retired as organist there in 2012. She also served Conestoga United Church of Christ as their organist, from 1995 to 2006. As she was active in the White Shrine in Greensburg, and the Eastern Star in Quarryville, she held the office for both as the worthy organist. Virginia was a busy and talented accompanist for many vocal and instrumental musicians. She was able to play complete hymns "by ear" at the age of 4. Virginia gave us all the gift of music for more than 65 years, both in churches and throughout the community.
An Eastern Star Service will be held prior to a private interment. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at Zion United Church of Christ, New Providence. Arrangements entrusted to REYNOLDS FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 144 East State St., Quarryville.
Please omit flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion United Church of Christ, 900 Winter Hill Road, Strasburg, PA 17579. www.reynoldsfuneralhome.net.