Avis Arlene Ginther

      Avis Arlene (Andrews) Ginther, age 98 years, passed away peacefully at Legacy AFC in Ithaca, MI on Monday, July 28, 2025.
     She was the third of 11 children born to Paul and Beulah (Watkins) Andrews on the family farm in Pompeii, Michigan, March 8, 1927. On April 18, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Jack Ginther. He preceded her in death September 30, 2024, after over 77 years of marriage.
     Avis is survived by her sons Larry (Susan) and Mike (Cheryl) Ginther all of Elkhart, IN; and four grandchildren, Cara (Ryan) Sample, Erin (Jason) Gibbs, Glenda Ginther, and Jack Ginther. She also leaves six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters: Doris (Lionel) Bower and Joan (Stan) Oserowsky; and her brothers: Leo and John (Martha) Andrews, and as well as a host of nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents and husband, Avis was predeceased by her sisters: Kathleen Humm and Mary Miller; and by her brothers: Teddy, Bob, Bill, and Art Andrews.
     Avis was a “hometown girl” who lived her 98 years in the Ithaca area. She had many talents and interests. She was an accomplished golfer, winning many central Michigan area tournaments. Avis was a voracious reader, a talented watercolor artist, seamstress, quilter and fiber artist. She also loved gardening, animals, and nature. She was always up for a card game, and in later years there was usually a picture puzzle in progress on the dining room table. Family gatherings in Ithaca and visits to Indiana were always on her calendar. Her door was always open to family, neighbors, and friends who often stopped by.
     For many years, Avis delivered Food for Friends and, along with Jack, were pillars of the Ithaca Senior Activities Building from its inception. (She was known for the countless costumes she made for Jack and herself to wear to parties and events there.)
     A Memorial Service celebrating Avis’ long life will take place at Smith Family Funeral Homes, 1333 East Center Street, Ithaca, MI, 48847 on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. with longtime friend Jo Jones will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 12:00 P.M until the time of the service. A reception at the Senior Activities Building, 1011 E. North Street, Ithaca, will immediately follow her memorial.
     The family would like to especially thank the staff (Shelly, Chelsea, and Betty) at Legacy AFC for caring for Avis over the last year and a half. Thank you too, to the many friends and family who visited her at Legacy throughout her time there.
     In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in her memory to the Ithaca Senior Activities Building 1011 East North Street Ithaca, MI 48847, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.