Born: December 4, 1935 - Deceased: January 26, 2020
Ginger C. Kelly, nee Wooldridge, 84, of Belleville, IL, born Wednesday, December 4, 1935 in Benton, AR, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020 at home surrounded by her family in Belleville.
Ginger was an executive secretary for Price Waterhouse Coopers accounting firm in St. Louis, MO. She was a member of Villa Hills Baptist Church in Belleville, IL, and a member with Memorial Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. Ginger was a former member of Junior Women’s Club and Red Hat Society.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Parents: Addie L. and Edith A., nee Martin, Wooldridge
- Brothers:
- Perry Wooldridge
- Thad Wooldridge
Surviving are her:
- Husband: Bill Kelly of Belleville, IL
- Children
- Cindy (Jay) Metzger of Ashdown, AR
- Robyn (Tim) Seibel of Belleville, IL
- Mary Lee Kelly of St. Louis, MO
- Kerri (Scott Littlefield) Kelly of Belleville, IL
- Grandchildren
- Patrick (Jen) Metzger
- Matthew (Kacie) Metzger
- Elliot (Shelby) Metzger
- Megan Seibel
- Will Kelly
- Natalie Seibel
- Great granddaughter: Emma Kate Metzger
- Dear nieces and nephews
Ginger was a devoted wife, mother and “Mimi” (grandmother). She and Bill had a very auspicious introduction, and spent 65 wonderful years together. Ginger was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. She would light up talking about each of them, and would do so often. While she had 4 biological children, she had many, many more she claimed as her own, especially the girls from Indian Hill Drive, where she lived for the past 60 years. Ginger was quite a dog lover, having many 4 legged children and grandchildren. She was especially fond of her baby Chelsea and granddog Mya.
Ginger had an infectious smile and personality. She never met a stranger, and would share a laugh with anyone she encountered. She had countless friends and enjoyed socializing whenever she could. Ginger had no acquaintances, because once she met you, you were a friend, and it made no difference to her what walk of life you were from.
She was a voracious reader, often staying up all night to finish her latest book. She was an avid sports fan and cheered passionately for the Cardinals and her Razorbacks. For many years she and Bill were season ticket holders of the St. Louis Cardinals football team. One of her proudest professional accomplishments was working with the St. Louis Civic Progress organization to bring the Rams to St. Louis, for which she received an Invaluable Team Member award.
Ginger was a bright light, and while her flame may be extinguished, her ember will glow forever.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice, Randy’s Rescue Ranch, or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00-7:00 pm Friday, January 31, 2020 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville,IL.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Pastor Jack Kurrelmeyer and Pastor Ray Brewer officiating. Internment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
3 Comments
I considered Ginger my friend from day one of our first meeting! I am sending hugs to Bill and his family ! She was an angel to every living creature of God’s earth ! As a believer , I know she is in a much better place !! Ginger had an infectious smile that will never be forgotten! Hugs and prayers to your family !
I am sorry for your loss. There is another angel in heaven. May God be with you all know and always
I was one of the “extra” daughters from Indian Hill Dr and was so very blessed to grow up with Ginger and all of the surrogate mom’s on the street. I can hear Ginger’s laugh whenever I think of her. She was an amazing woman and one I was very blessed to know.
My love, thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.