Virginia "Ginny" Stover

Virginia “Ginny” Stover entered her Heavenly home on December 14, 2021 with her son by her side. She was born in June 1927 to parents Ernest and Alice (Sunday) Herman and raised on a farm in Niles. Initially attending a one-room school called Mattchett Peak, Ginny graduated in 1945 from Niles High School. She remembered that her Business Class would go to the gym to help with gas, sugar, and other ration coupons during WWII.

Virginia’s faith in Jesus was nurtured from childhood. She was a charter member of Berrien Center Bible Church where she met and married future husband, James C. Stover. After almost 59 years of marriage Jim entered eternity in January of 2007. Ginny served as treasurer of Berrien Center Bible Church for 33 years while also using her gifts by planning key church events and documenting the church history.

Following their wedding Jim and Ginny moved to Chicago, IL, where Jim was attending college. Their first son, Gregory A. Stover was born there in 1949. When they moved back to Michigan Jim built 3 homes in Berrien Springs, each home a little larger for the growing family. The Stovers added two more sons; Douglas R. born in May 1952 and Jeffrey L. born in February of 1958. Their final home, and Ginny’s favorite, was on Range Line Road with a beautiful view of Lake Chapin.

Her greatest legacy and joy were her wonderful sons and their families: Greg and Ruth Ann live in Lima, OH where their 3 children also live; Jennifer and Kevin Brogee with their 3 children, Jim and Sarah Stover with 4 children, and Brett and Jade Stover with 3 children. Doug lives in South Bend, IN near his 4 daughters, Jessica with 3 children and a grandchild, Mishana with 3 children, Julie with 2 children, and Erin with 3 children. Jeff and Ruth Stover live in Alta Loma, CA, near son David and Melonie and their 2 children.

As a youth she was active in 4-H and the Berrien County Youth Fair. As adults Jim and Ginny were at the admission gate selling tickets for many years. Fair time was always a special time for the whole family. Ginny was active in PTA and Band Boosters and worked many years with the Miss Berrien Springs Blossomtime Queen Contests. She enjoyed many years with the Berrien Springs Civic League.

Ginny had worked for the treasurer of Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan and later retired in 1990 from Southwestern Medical Clinic after 22 years as the Financial Secretary. The Stovers loved to travel and took many trips throughout the U.S and Canada. Their favorites were Hawaii and an Alaskan cruise. After retirement, winters were spent in Florida enjoying warm weather at Tropical Harbor in Lake Placid. One summer Ginny and a good friend went on a study tour of Europe with Andrews University touring 10 countries in 7 weeks.
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Family, including her church family and friends were precious to Ginny. Whether celebrating Christmas, birthdays, playing games together or summer cookouts, her joy was evident as she made sure everyone was well fed and many pictures were taken. After Jim passed away, she often enjoyed being in Ohio with family and made special wintertime trips to California in January and February. The past 8 ½ years Virginia lived in Lima, OH where she resided in Primrose Retirement Center, a few minutes’ drive from her oldest son and his family.

Preceding her in death are her husband Jim, parents Ernest and Alice Herman, her brother Harry Herman and his wife Norma Jean (Wetzel) Herman.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Wednesday, December 29th at Berrien Center Bible Church in Berrien Center. Visitation will be from 11 am – 12:30 with the service beginning at 12:30 followed by a lunch. Pastors Maynard Schoen and Bill Zebell are officiating. The family requests that remembrances be given to the Berrien Center Bible Church Missions Fund, 8830 M-140, Berrien Center, MI 49102 or to Five Pines Ministries, 6597 Smith Rd., Berrien Center, MI 49102.

Arrangements by Chiles-Layman Funeral Homes, Lima, OH and Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs, MI 49103.