Virginia L. “Ginger” West, age 76, Inverness, FL passed away December 18, 2022 at her daughter’s residence with family at her side.
“Ginger” was born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 10, 1946 to the late Norris Merlin Wellman and Elinor Louise (Campbell) Wellman and moved to this area in 1976 from Lakeland with her late husband, John F. West who passed away June 12, 2001. She and John owned and operated the Badcock Furniture Store in Inverness.
Ginger was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Family Resource Center, a community based agency who literally helps thousands of children and their families who are having difficulties in their lives. She received recognition for that service from the Citrus Co. Chamber of Commerce, Citrus Co. Chronicle newspaper, and many other organizations for her many years of serving our community. Additionally, she and her husband were foster parents for over 30 years, had hundreds of children in their home, and were founders of the Citrus County Foster Parent Association. She was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church.
Left to cherish her memory are five children: Michelle Cleary, Hernando, FL; Nikki Canary, Inverness, FL; John F. West, Jr. and wife, Sheeba, Lake Mary, FL; Robert West and wife, Penelope, Corpus Christie, TX; R.J. Fontana and wife, Jordan, Ocala, FL; 1 sister, Linda Garlitz, Nokomis, FL; 13 grandchildren: Brittany, Channing, Christopher, Morgan, Jared, Ryan, Philip, Sungeetha, Maverick, Legend, Rocket, Carson, and Carlee; 3 great grandchildren: Kendra, Luke, and Jason.
There is a Celebration of Life scheduled on Monday, January 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM from the Cornerstone Baptist Church with pastors Kip Younger, Mike Kramer, and Darrell Reneau officiating. Her urn will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery beside her husband, John at a later date. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 PM until the service begins. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Family Resource Center in Ginger’s memory. The Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
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