Virginia Sue Babion, Gini or Gin as she was known by her friends and family, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 27, 2018 with her family by her side.
She was born on March 15, 1945 in Owosso, Michigan to Waldron and Margaret (Stolson) Babion and was one of four children. Gini attended Chesaning Schools until her family moved to Indian River, Michigan where she graduated in 1963 from Inland Lakes High School. She eventually returned to the Chesaning area and worked for Pete Packing until she moved permanently to her family’s summer residence in Frankfort, Michigan. In 2008 she retired from Continental Industries, where she was affectionately known as the “social director”. Gini was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a volunteer at Paul Oliver Hospital. Gini enjoyed spending time with her family at the cottage on Crystal Lake, visiting her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and traveling with her beloved sister Linda.
Gini was preceded in death by her parents Waldron and Margaret Babion and brother-in-law Tom Crofoot.
She is survived by her three children, Diane (Terry) House of Gaylord, Sandra (Mark) Nelson of Laingsburg, and Roger (Kay) Bunker of Indian River. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren, Connie House, Kyle (Jessie) Nelson, Tanner (Brittany) Nelson, Kynzie House, Travis House, Mallory Bunker and Regan Bunker and her five Great Grandchildren, Gaige, Aysia, Ariah, Connor and Reese. Also surviving Gini are her brother Mike (Ruth) Babion, sister Linda Crofoot and youngest brother George (Kerry) Babion, and many nieces and nephews.
Gini was a friendly, bright light with lots of spunk who will be greatly missed.
A private memorial service will be held November 10 with a public Celebration of Life gathering at the American Legion in Frankfort at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorial donations be made in Gini’s name to either Hospice of Northern Michigan, Trinity Lutheran Church of Frankfort or Benzie Senior Resources.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
12 comments on “Virginia “Gini” Babion”
Lovely, sweet, fun lady. She will be missed.
Until we meet again, my sweet sister, remember that I love you and always will remember the fun times we shared. I miss you already, so stay near me and help me get through this.
So sorry for your loss.
I would like to express my personal condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother, grandmother, sister and Aunt.
I worked with Gini in Benzonia at Continental Industries and yes, in deed, she was the social director. She would be in a different area than where she was supposed be and be talking to everyone. I would walk by and smile at her. She knew she had been caught but she would say “what, I’m just talking, not about business, but just talking” and then laugh and move on. She was very funny and a great person. ♡
Always a light in our lives and always will be! We miss you girl!
I will miss my Aunt very much. She was one of the best people I knew. I love you Aunt Gini.
Our sympathy to the Babion family. We only met a couple of times with Linda. She was a hoot to visit with. Full of energy and lots of laughs. Hugs and love to Linda and families.
So sorry for your loss keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Mere words cannot describe what a wonderful person Gini was to so many of us. She opened her house to Vern and I on more than one occasion and even let Molly (our dog) sleep with her! We will miss you Gini. Thank you for the memories. ❤️ Love, Pat and Vern
I am truly heartbroken. Gini was my best childhood friend and I have wonderful memories of her. And of George and some of our childhood exploits. They had a tree house, which I think of often, especially when I watch Treehouse Masters. We touched base these last few years with promises to “get together”, but didn’t do it. She will not be missed by me because, though I haven’t seen her much in the last 50 years, she has always been with me in spirit.
See you in heaven Gini!!
I graduated with Gini in 1963. Sh3 was my best friend forever and my partner in crime in high school. Lost track of her for many years but we finally connected many years later. She was my go to person when my husband was diagnosed with dementia. My greatest encouager. I will forever cherish our talks. Miss her so much. Rest in peace Gin.