Virginia H. Link

In loving memory Virginia Helen Link Vogel Shields Ray Township, Michigan Age 79 Born July 23, 1934 Deceased August 13, 2013 Arrangements: William A. Sullivan and Son 8459 Hall Road, Utica MI Viewing: Saturday August 17 1:00 pm-8:00 pm Service: Sunday August 18 2:00 pm Virginia "Ginny" Link of Ray Township died peacefully on August 13, 2013. Her 79 years were filled with optimism and love. A teacher for more than 30 years in Utica Community Schools, Ginny taught hundreds of children some of life's most important skills. Some went with the job, such as reading and counting. Others were purely her moral compass, such as acceptance and generosity. Although teaching was important to her, Ginny's family was her life. Two devoted husbands preceded her in death, both smart enough to know a good thing when they saw it. Despite numerous and innovative attempts, her children only found futility in their efforts to test her patience, optimism and loyalty. Her grandchildren adored her and she cherished them. She enjoyed gardening and reading. She was an excellent bridge player and a terrible golfer. She recycled. Ginny Link nee Vogel was born on July 23, 1934 in Muskegon, Michigan. She graduated from Saginaw Arthur Hill in 1952 and Albion College in 1956. In 1957 she married Dale Shields of Saginaw who predeceased her in 1990. Together they had four children. Matt wife Cindy, daughters Amanda and Emily, Elizabeth husband Don, daughters Leigh Matt Addison, Kristen and Mariah Bauman, Douglas wife Laura, sons Dallas, Dylan and Jeremy. Martin wife Kristi Mahrt, daughters Alison, Maya and Serena. In 1994 she married widower Ernest Link of Shelby Township. They soon moved to Fairhope, Alabama. Ernest died in 2007 and they are survived by his children Pam LeMay, Nancy John Zurawski, John Karen, Jim Judy, Ron Jessica and Richard Kelly Link, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ginny returned to Michigan in 2009 to be closer to family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Crandall Vogel and her father Alfred Vogel. Three younger and loving sisters survive her, Janet Marsh, Alice Don Thompson and Susie Carl Trepagnier. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paws for Life, Albion College, or Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation.

Virginia H. Link

July 23, 1934 - August 13, 2013