Virginia 'Ginger' Johnson Abbott, 75

| June 18, 2013 9:03 PM

Ginger passed away June 9, 2013, at the family home in the presence of her devoted husband Glen and members of her family.

Ginger was born Aug. 9, 1937, in Little Falls, Minn., to George and Cordelia (Toots) Johnson. In 1942 she moved to North Idaho with her parents. North Idaho was her home for the rest of her life. She attended grade school at Athol and graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1955.

Ginger leaves behind her husband, Glen of 43 years and three sons: Steve Purcell (Bobbie) of Boise, Stanley Purcell (Michelle) of Post Falls and Scott (Angie) of Coeur d’Alene; stepson Glen Abbott Jr. of Coeur d’Alene; stepdaughters, Virginia Clough (Rick) of Spokane and Audrey Humenik (Dave) of Kennewick, Wash.; sisters, Georgia (Jo) Johnson Stone (Bill) of Vancouver, Wash., and Marney (Johnson) VanHueklom of Boise. She also leaves 21 grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Ginger became an active and loyal member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1970 when she joined the Auxiliary of Coeur d’Alene Lodge No. 486. Later in 1985 she transferred to Hayden Lake No. 4080 and became a dual member with Coeur d’Alene Lodge. Ginger was a devoted member, becoming a 10-year secretary and holding positions in all the chairs. She received many awards from the Local Aerie, State, Regional and Grand Aerie in Ritual Competition. She was also the coach for the Ritual Teams. Ginger loved to cook and was known for her many dinners she prepared at the lodge. She was always willing to help and her family quote of “More Us Better” will continue to be spoken at our family dinners.

The family will be hosting a “Celebration of Life” for Ginger beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2013, at the Hayden Lake Eagles. In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting donations be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835; or The Ginger and Glen Abbott Scholarship Fund of the Fraternal Order of the Eagle at P.O. Box 1319, Hayden, ID 83835.

Please visit Ginger’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.