Virginia C. (Breeden) Sears

Virginia C. Sears, 84, of Odon, IN was laid to rest in a private ceremony on April 9, 2020 at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Odon. She was the first to die of COVID-19 in Daviess County. The family decided against having formal funeral services in deference to the risk of close social contact at this time. Virginia was born on July 8, 1935 to Harold and Virginia (Cornett) Breeden in Murphysboro, IL.

     To family, she was always ‘Ginger’. Friends often called her ‘Ginny’.  She and her twin brother, George, were the eldest in a family of nine children. There were three sets of twins and three singles (or, as Pappy liked to call them, ‘the spares’).

     Ginger graduated Odon High School in 1953 and, as noted in her yearbook, she knew exactly what she wanted--to be a nurse. She did just that and was by all accounts exceptional. For many years Ginger served the Odon community at the side of her husband, ‘Doc’ Sears, gaining the respect of many and establishing strong ties to the Amish community, which she felt a part of for the rest of her life. 

    Ginger went on to work in various positions including intensive care, drug rehab, and behavioral health, finishing the final sixteen years of her career at Meadows Behavioral Health in Bloomington, IN. Upon retirement, Ginger lived for seven years with Vivian and me in Raglesville. It was then that I came to appreciate what an extraordinary person she was. She had health issues, but never once did she complain. She was always more concerned with the needs of others than her own. There was never a cross moment or a bad day with Ginger; we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. She was a joy to live with.

     Ginger loved life. She loved horses, fishing, reading, and morels. Most of all, she loved her family: her siblings, her children, and, perhaps most of all, her grand- and great-grandchildren. She never tired of telling stories and showing pictures of them. I finally understand, now that I have a granddaughter of my own.

     Ginger is survived by: three sons, Alan K. Plummer of Odon, Mark Plummer of Carmel, Douglas Plummer of Crane one daughter Gretchen Cline of Washington, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two brothers, William T. Breeden of Spencer and Darrell Breeden of Bloomington.

     Ginger was preceded in death by: her parents, three husbands, son, Michael Plummer, five brothers, George, Robert, Clarence, Carl and David Breeden; and one sister, Kathleen ’Kate’ Parsons.

     Ginger spent the last nine months of her life in the care of Ketcham Memorial Nursing Facility in Odon and loved her time there. She played bingo, gossiped, and was thrilled to be elected Valentine’s Queen of 2020. Our family is grateful for the wonderful care provided to her by all the staff.

     Ginger was born on the day of the 1st phase of a new moon; she left us on the afternoon of a beautiful Super Moon, optically the largest moon of 2020. Fitting, I’d say. She lived a full and beautiful life!

    We will miss you, Ginger. When it is safe to hug and cry and laugh and eat together, as Breedens are known to do, we will celebrate your life. For all the friends of Ginger, we will be inviting you to join us.

    Goodbye, Ginger. In the words of your favorite singer, Vince Gill: GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN!

                                                                                                   Love always,

                                                                                                   Darrell and all the family

Memorial contributions may be made to Ketcham Memorial in memory of Ginger.  Please mail to Ketcham Memorial Center at 610 E Race St., Odon, IN 47562 or to the funeral home.

All arrangements have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.