Virginia Lee McGinnis

Virginia McGinnis ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Chandler Funeral Home - Ellettsville Chapel on Mar. 7, 2026.On March 4, 2026, after 99 and a half years,Virginia McGinnis gained her wings. She physically worked hard all of her life, but the one thing she worked hardest for was preparing for her eternal life. Virginia set a great example for her family, and we would like to share just a few things to show the strength and resilience she possessed.One year she wanted Christmas candy from the local store but of course they could not afford it. The grocer told her he knew she was a good shot, and that if she brought him a rabbit, he would pay her and she could buyher own candy….so that is exactly what she did.Virginia's local school only went through the 8th grade, and she wanted to attend high school. She moved in with her grandmother with the understanding that she could attend Bloomington High School, thinking the township would pay her tuition. They did not. The principal told her it had to be paid, or she would need to quit. Virginia was very much a "find a way, make a way" type of person so she got a job washing dishes to pay for herself.Virginia had many accomplishments to be proud of, she got her private pilot's license, became a nurse, a hairdresser, a realtor, raised two stepchildren and two daughters. She also helped run a hardware store with her firsthusband. After his health started to fail, she selflessly cared for him up until his passing. After Ted passed, she later met and married Bill McGinnis and cared for him as well. A true testament to her heart of gold.This last year has been difficult, and as a family, we hated to see the once vibrant lady slow down. Virginia did not stop driving until her 99th birthday. She truly lived her life her way, to the absolute fullest, until the last week of her life.Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Roswell and Edna Abram; Husbands Ted Chitwood and Bill McGinnis; Siblings Wilma Breeden, Helen Hamm, Jerry Abram, Jerry Chitwood, Pete Chitwood, Ted Morris, and Bradley Chitwood.She is survived by her children Trudy Bastin (Phil), Lana May (Ralph), and Carol Morris; Sister Markita Smith; Brother Rand Abram; Grandchildren Danny Chitwood (Kathy), Jeff Chitwood (Sheila), Anita Tenney(Carl), April Waxler (Jay), Rachael Michaels (Roger), and Ben Bastin (Karen); Great Grandchildren Michael, Brian, Lindsey, Stacey, Nikita, Sophia, Teddy, Gavin, Shelby, Ava, Gabe, Courtney, and Britney, as well as several Great Great Grandchildren.We will selfishly miss her, but we are happy she can now fly high and rest in her eternal life.A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM with an hour of visitation starting at 1:00 PM at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.