OBITUARIES

Virginia (Ginger-GiGi B) Marie Belding, 77, of Geneva, Ohio, passed away after a year-long battle with cancer on June 2, 2020 in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 31, 1942, in East Cleveland, Ohio to the late Frank and Ruth Grove-Prostor. Her family moved to Trumbull Township when she was six years old. She was a proud member of the Geneva High School class of 1960 and was active in organizing class reunions.

After graduation, Ginger obtained a position working as a printer for the Ashtabula Star Beacon. Within a few years, she began attending Kent State University and eventually worked for Mercury Printers in Geneva. With her expertise as a printer and her college education, she became employed by the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School where she taught Graphic Arts for 32 years, deeply touching the lives of many devoted students and colleagues who appreciated her diligence and caring in all that she did. She was one of the first women in Ohio to become a graphic arts teacher, a true accomplishment.

In addition to being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ginger was also an invaluable member in many organizations including the Jefferson Monday Night Al-Anon Group, Daughters of the American Revolution, Trinity Book Club and the Committee to Preserve the History of Ashtabula County Suffrage, in which she was one of the founding members. Her broad circle of friends also included those in a monthly dinner club, a birthday club and those who enjoyed winery lunches. She could always be counted upon to help in every way possible and was deeply cherished by her family, friends and students.

Ginger is survived by her husband of 38 years, Ronald J. Belding of Geneva; her sister Ruth Guyker (James) of Buffalo, N.Y.; her daughters Laura DiGiacomo (Steve) and Gayle Hutzell (Andy Fabel) of Geneva; and her step-daughter Katie McIntyre (Clyde) of Jefferson, Ohio. She is also survived by her dear grandchildren Stevie Williamson, Carley DiGiacomo and Connor DiGiacomo of Geneva, Ohio; Wendy Braun of Jefferson, Ohio; and her great-granddaughter Veronica Williamson of Geneva, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004; Harpersfield Volunteer Fire Department and the Helen Berman Scholarship Fund, c/o A-Tech School

A celebration of Ginger’s life will be held at the Harpersfield Community Center, 5604 Cork Cold Springs Road, Geneva, Ohio next Saturday, June 13th 2020 at 1 pm.

Arrangements are under the care of Walker Funeral Home, 828 Sherman St. in Geneva.