VIRGINIA PELZL Obituary
VIRGINIA PELZL
Virginia Rose Hill Pelzl, affectionately known as "Ginny," passed away on October 7, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on November 5, 1942, in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to Rose Stewart Hill and William J. Hill, Ginny's early life was marked by resilience. Her father passed away when she was approximately four years old, after which her mother remarried JL Harold, who became a beloved father figure to her.
Following her graduation from Wichita Falls Senior High School, Ginny attended and graduated from Texas Women's University (formerly Texas State College for Women). Upon graduation, Ginny relocated to Houston, Texas, where she pursued studies and embarked on a distinguished career in the banking industry. A true trailblazer in finance, she rose through the ranks, earning recognition in Who's Who in Banking. Her notable positions included Senior Vice President at Allied and Texas Commerce Bank, President of a First City Branch, and Chief Financial Officer at McClellan Associate. Throughout her professional life, Ginny was a dedicated mentor, guiding and inspiring numerous junior associates.
On December 8, 1990, Ginny married Jim Pelzl, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 35 years. She cherished her family deeply, adopting her children as adults to formalize their bond. Ginny is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Pelzl; her son, Jim Pelzl Jr., and his wife, Kerrianne; her daughter, Elizabeth Brown; her grandchildren, Susan Grace Pelzl and Reese Brown; her sister, Mary Evans; her niece, Abby Ray; and many other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, MC Hill.
Ginny's passion for life extended far beyond her career. An avid traveler, she explored countries including China, Europe, and Africa, forging lifelong friendships, particularly in Italy. She and Jim served as godparents to Paolo Jr. and Arturo, hosting them for extended visits at their home on Lake Travis, Texas.
Retirement brought new adventures for Ginny and Jim, who relocated to Lake Chapala, Mexico, for approximately 20 years. There, she delighted in cultivating her flowers and fruit trees amid a welcoming community. Ever the active participant, Ginny immersed herself in local causes, serving on boards, volunteering with clubs, and even judging chili cook-offs. Her commitments included the Rotary Club in Chapala, where she held offices such as Treasurer and President and received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award; Tepehua Centro Comunitario AC, an orphanage in Chapala; animal rescue efforts; the Red Hat Sorority in Pratt, Kansas; and annual support for the Miss Kansas Pageant in Pratt, Kansas.
A compassionate soul, Ginny had a special passion for rescuing dogs, welcoming many into her life, including Duke, Diablo, and Coche, to name just a few.
Ginny lived a life rich with purpose, love, and servicea good and faithful servant whose legacy of kindness, mentorship, and community spirit will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.
Virginia Rose Hill Pelzl, affectionately known as "Ginny," passed away on October 7, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on November 6, 1942, in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to Rose Stewart Hill and William J. Hill, Ginny's early life was marked by resilience. Her father passed away when she was approximately four years old, after which her mother remarried JL Harold, who became a beloved father figure to her.
Following her graduation from Wichita Falls Senior High School, Ginny attended and graduated from Texas Women's University (formerly Texas State College for Women). Upon graduation, Ginny relocated to Houston, Texas, where she pursued studies and embarked on a distinguished career in the banking industry. A true trailblazer in finance, she rose through the ranks, earning recognition in Who's Who in Banking. Her notable positions included Senior Vice President at Allied and Texas Commerce Bank, President of a First City Branch, and Chief Financial Officer at McClellan Associate. Throughout her professional life, Ginny was a dedicated mentor, guiding and inspiring numerous junior associates.
On December 8, 1990, Ginny married Jim Pelzl, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 35 years. She cherished her family deeply, adopting her children as adults to formalize their bond. Ginny is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Pelzl; her son, Jim Pelzl Jr., and his wife, Kerrianne; her daughter, Elizabeth Brown; her grandchildren, Susan Grace Pelzl and Reese Brown; her sister, Mary Evans; her niece, Abby Ray; and many other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, MC Hill.
Ginny's passion for life extended far beyond her career. An avid traveler, she explored countries including China, Europe, and Africa, forging lifelong friendships, particularly in Italy. She and Jim served as godparents to Paolo Jr. and Arturo, hosting them for extended visits at their home on Lake Travis, Texas.
Retirement brought new adventures for Ginny and Jim, who relocated to Lake Chapala, Mexico, for approximately 20 years. There, she delighted in cultivating her flowers and fruit trees amid a welcoming community. Ever the active participant, Ginny immersed herself in local causes, serving on boards, volunteering with clubs, and even judging chili cook-offs. Her commitments included the Rotary Club in Chapala, where she held offices such as Treasurer and President and received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award; Tepehua Centro Comunitario AC, an orphanage in Chapala; animal rescue efforts; the Red Hat Sorority in Pratt, Kansas; and annual support for the Miss Kansas Pageant in Pratt, Kansas.
A compassionate soul, Ginny had a special passion for rescuing dogs, welcoming many into her life, including Duke, Diablo, and Coche, to name just a few.
Ginny lived a life rich with purpose, love, and servicea good and faithful servant whose legacy of kindness, mentorship, and community spirit will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.
Published by Tri-County Tribune from Oct. 8 to Oct. 16, 2025.