Virginia A. Peckinpaugh

Virginia Ann “Ginny” Peckinpaugh, age 76 of Indianapolis died on April 13, 2020 after waging a brave battle against ALS. Ginny was born in Delaware County on January 13, 1944. Her parents raised her on the family farm outside Daleville, and she was always proud of her farm roots. She was the daughter of George Peckinpaugh and Hilma (Pence) Peckinpaugh. Ginny graduated from Daleville High School, Ball State University (BS, Education) and Butler University (MS, Education). A teacher of physical education and home economics, she taught at Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Blackford High School in Hartford City and retired from the Indianapolis Public School System after 30 years.

Ginny loved sports, participating in them in school long before Title IX, coaching them, and watching them. She even officiated girls’ basketball for a time but hung up her whistle when she discovered that the fans were too helpful. Ginny loved attending women’s college basketball games and watching on television when her illness prevented her from traveling. She was especially fond of Indiana University and Butler University Women’s basketball teams. She also followed the Cincinnati Reds to the chagrin of her Chicago Cubs friends, the Indiana Fever and the Indianapolis Colts. She continued her interest in sports and played tennis and golf lifelong until ALS prevented her from doing so.

More than anything she loved animals. As a ten-year member of 4-H she participated in foods and clothing, she was an accomplished seamstress, and exhibited/showed Brown Swiss cows. She took endless ribbing from her friends when they discovered that she once won the title of “Miss Brown Swiss.” She rescued many dogs and cats over her life and her dogs Masie and Lexi were by her side at the end. One of her two cats; Lili, was rescued as a several weeks old kitten from the garden department of a local hardware store. Her other cat, Calli, was a farm kitten and runt of the litter. Ginny rescued her and after much veterinarian attention Calli became a fine adult cat. Ginny had so much love for pets that she provided pet sitting services to her friends.

Ginny enjoyed nature and gardening. For several years following her retirement, she worked part-time for the Indy Parks Department and additionally became a Master Gardener. She actively supported the Friends of Garfield Park. She volunteered her time to support youth programing and special events at Garfield Park.
Ginny was a voracious reader and later realized the value of audio books. She enjoyed music, dominoes and cards. She was quiet around groups but outgoing with strangers. She enjoyed life to its fullest and was proud that she was able to accomplish all the items on her bucket list.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a niece, Vanessa (Peckinpaugh) Porter. She is survived by her spouse and partner of 22 years, Lynda Burrello; brothers, Darrel (Clare) Peckinpaugh and Noel (Barbara) Peckinpaugh; and many nieces and nephews.

Due to current restrictions, Ginny’s Celebration of Life will be held July 18, 2020 at 11:00am at Washington Park North Funeral Center located at 2706 Kessler Blvd., West Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46228.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Friends of Garfield Park https://garfieldparkindy.org/
On line condolences may be made at https://flannerbuchanan.com/obit/virginia-a-peckinpaugh/.