OFFERLE – Virginia “Ginger” A. Whitaker, 87, died Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Pratt Health and Rehab, Pratt.

She was born March 20, 1939 at Dodge City, the daughter of W. Dale and Dorothy E. (Burns) Boyce. She was a graduate of Dodge City High School and a lifetime area resident. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting, sewing, quilting, baking and was an avid reader.

She married Ronald L. Mead on August 15, 1959 at Miami, Oklahoma. They later divorced. On December 13, 1971 she married Orley Whitaker at Dodge City. He preceded her in death on February 19, 2009.

Survivors include: 2 step sons, Milton Whitaker Ellinwood, KS and John C. Whitaker and wife Wichita KS; a step-daughter, Maretha Washington, Ellinwood, KS; 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Carolyn Blackburn, Hutchinson KS, Betty Hopkins, Colorado, and Linda Seck and husband Gerry, California; 3 nieces, Tamra Unruh, Brenda Hays and Tina Cook; 2 nephews, Jay Schmidt and Rex Schmidt, and many more nieces and nephews that Virginia cherished.

Virginia will be lovingly remembered by Jeff and Davean Cramer, Tanner, Tali and Harlan Whipple whom she embraced as her own for many years. Her boundless heart and devotion extended to watching and raising Tanner and Tali as if they were her own grandchildren leaving an indelible mark of love on their family.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, a step-daughter, Margo Harris, nephew Richard Harper, nephew Pat Hopkins and Berry Hopkins.

She will forever be cherished and remembered forever.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Rev. Berniece Ludlum officiating. Burial will follow in Appleton Township Cemetery, Minneola. Visitation will be Wednesday from noon to 5:00 pm and Thursday from 1:00 pm to service time both at Ziegler Funeral Chapel.

The family suggests memorials to United Way of Dodge City, KS in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.