Virginia Parcells

Virginia Lee "Ginger" (Gunnell) Parcells, 87, formerly of Portage, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Maple Ridge Manor of Lowell under the loving care of her family and Careline Hospice. The daughter of Clarence Leo & Mary Virginia (Loughrin) Benike, born on June 24, 1936 in Cadillac, Michigan. After graduating from Cedar Springs High School as Valedictorian she earned her Degree in Nursing from Mercy Central School of Nursing at the former St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She worked as an Ophthalmic Surgical Nurse for over twenty years for James W. Melluish, M.D. of Kalamazoo. Ginger spent previous years as a Registered Nurse in Obstetrics at Bronson Hospital in Paw Paw and Kalamazoo. Ginger enjoyed reading, travel, nature, hiking, the symphony and family activities centered around her grandchildren. She was a research buff on many subjects including: nutrition, medical advances as well as all science news. She was a deeply loving and gracious mother who dedicated her life to her family. Ginger always made certain that all her grandchildren were experiencing activities that were educational and encouraged them in their interests. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alan Parcells; and brother, Terrance Benike. Surviving are her children, Christopher (Val) Gunnell, Mary Bailey, Therese Reva, and David Gunnell; her grandchildren, Kaitlin Gunnell, Kaj Gunnell, Aubrey Meconi, Vincent Meconi, Darrin Reva, Celina (Adam) Newton, Luke Gunnell, Joshua Gunnell; her great-grandchildren, Royce Reva, Hendrix Newton, Haelynn Newton, Landreth Newton; two step-daughters, Barbara Parcells and Carolyn Parcells; a step-grandson, Andrew Parcells; and a sister, Deborah Cobe. Ginger is now with her heavenly Father, God Almighty, resting in peace. Her family will celebrate her life later this summer. Instead of flowers, contributions in memory of Ginger may be directed to either Maple Ridge Manor and Careline Hospice. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Virginia’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, (616) 754-5638, honored providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Virginia Parcells, please visit our flower store.