Virginia M. Vink

Virginia (Ginny) Mae Vink passed away Saturday, November 3, 2024 at Optalis Health and Rehabilitation in Grand Rapids, MI, with family members by her side. The daughter of the late Earl and Cecelia (LaFontain) Rapelje was born December 13, 1929 in Bay City, MI. She was married to Hazen “Buster” Vink on November 27, 1948 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Essexville, and they enjoyed more than 66 years of married life together. She is survived by four of her children: Barbara J. Evans, Robert L. Vink, Jeffrey D. Vink, Pamela A. (Mark) Fassett; grandchildren Patrick J. Evans, Joseph A. Evans, Aila S. Fassett and Sienna R. Fassett; special family friends Tammy Mosher, Haley Ritter and Brandon Levay; and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Buster, her son, Michael A. Vink, sisters Christine “Tootie” (Jack) O’Neil, Helen (Bill) Ayres, and Gladys (Barnaby) Blackwell, and brothers Donald (Betty), Kenneth (Beverly), and Lloyd (Marlene) Rapelje. Enjoying memorable time with her immediate and extended family was her most cherished activity throughout her long life, especially when there was a game of Euchre being played! Virginia, known to most as Ginny, loved to sew, embroider, and cook for her family. Virginia was passionate about her Catholic faith and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church in Essexville for many years, and later in life a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish. 

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Faith Hospice of Grand Rapids for their support while Virginia was in their loving care. 

Memorial arrangements are being made through Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. of Bay City. A memorial mass will be celebrated by immediate family only, as will the Rite of Committal in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Those wishing to express their sympathy may consider donations to Faith Hospice in memory of Virginia.