Virginia ”ginny” Lukens

Virginia M. “Ginny” Lukens, age 93, of Park Village Health Care Center at Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, April 27, 2011.A daughter of the late Chalmer C. and Alva Kern Maurer, Ginny was born at Dover Township on March 24, 1918, and was a 1937 graduate of New Philadelphia High School; where she was a member of the marching band and played the drums and clarinet. Following high school she served for a brief period of time as a telephone operator for GTE prior to taking on the role of Mom and homemaker. In 1957, Ginny returned to her work at GTE and would continue her career as an operator until her retirement in 1981. Throughout that time, she had memorized thousands of telephone numbers and had become a valuable resource for numbers for family and friends a-like. Ginny adored her family and cherished the time spent with each of them. She loved to entertain guests and kept her family and friends in laughter during their time together. When visiting however, it was Ginny’s goal to ensure no one left hungry; there was always plenty of food for everyone. She was a talented pianist and vocalist, who sang soprano for many years in the church choir. Ginny was also an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and the New Philadelphia Quaker football teams. Additionally, she was a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 222. Ginny is survived by two sons, James P. (wife, Anne) Lukens of Newark, Ohio and Joe (wife, Marcia) Lukens of New Philadelphia; and a sister, Annabelle (husband, Alan) Broadhurst of Wadsworth, Ohio. Six granddaughters; Kim Fisher, Carolyn Figi, Melissa Bollinger, Shannon Brogan, Miranda Lukens, and Mary Lukens; nine great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, one nephew David (wife Debbie)Broadhurst and one neice Patty (husband David)Gish complete the family. In addition to her parents, Ginny was preceded in death by a daughter, Lynda Lukens Fitch and a son-in-law, Neal E. Fitch. In keeping with Ginny’s wishes cremation has been conducted through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover. A private graveside service will be led by Pastor Jeff Gerber in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Memorial contributions in Ginny’ name may be directed to the First United Church of Christ Building Fund, PO Box 422, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.