Virginia A. Allen

On January 28, 2025, Virginia Ann (Johnson) Allen peacefully left this Earth at the age of 92 at Kauhale Otsego, an assisted living facility. Her adventure began on March 17, 1932 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born to Edwin and Faith (Bush) Johnson. Virginia always had a vivacious, active, social personality, and she had many talents and interests. She enjoyed camping with her 5th wheel, traveling, baking delicious pies, and studying the Allegan Flashes, circling rummage sales she wanted to hit. She dabbled in writing and painting. When she was a child, she sang and played the jug while her brothers, Gene and Dane, played guitar and fiddle and sang. She later sang in the church choir at the Presbyterian Church in Allegan, where she was a lifelong member. Ginny, as she preferred being called, had several callings in the professional world. While a mother with four children at home, she was an Avon Lady, clerked at Lawson’s Pharmacy, took orders at the Sears catalog office in Allegan, and performed various kitchen and counter duties at the bakery downtown. She obtained her real estate license as a salesperson, and thoroughly enjoyed “matching people to homes.” She worked for a few different agencies, such as Brokus and Kalvan. Antiques were another passion for Ginny. Any seat in her vehicle had to be cleared off for passengers, as her cars (and garages) were always filled with “treasures.” She fulfilled her wish for running an antique store when she opened “The Wizard of Odds”, a quaint and cozy shop where she was able to display her goods and interact with many customers. She did not retire from this business until well into her 80’s. Despite - or perhaps because of - her own lifelong struggle with depression, she was a fierce advocate for mental health awareness. This mission led to her involvement in Recovery International, a self help organization based on the teachings of Dr. Abraham Lowe. The program teaches mental health through will training. She was dedicated to helping people who were suffering from depression and other issues that negatively impacted their lives. Her involvement with this program benefited countless people. Ginny had several lifelong friends to whom she was devoted. She was on her High School class reunion committee since her graduation from Allegan H. S. in 1949. They met regularly to plan additional gatherings, eventually having a standing monthly dinner date at the Village Inn in Allegan with the remaining members. She was an engaging companion, and was well liked by many, who will miss her humor and charm. She married Carroll Allen at age 18, and shared four children with him - Kimberly Allen, of Takoma Park, MD, Kevin Allen (Catherine) of Kalamazoo, MI, Bridget Allen (Josh Rogers) of Caledonia, MI and Jennifer Hayes (Don) of Gobles, MI. She later married the late Eldon Ridley of South Haven, MI, and her final partner in life was the late Gerald “Mac” McCormick of Allegan, MI. She leaves seven grandchildren - Meghan Cochran (Alex), Kaitlin Allen, Dylan Cochran, Sean Conley, Elizabeth Conley, Jacob Allen, and Claire Allen (Austin); and four great grandchildren - Max Voorman, Dorothy Voorman, Cassius Voorman, and Miles Morris Conley. Her brother and sister-in-law, David and Cindy Lu Cooley of Allegan, were lovingly attentive to her until the end of her life. Several nieces and nephews also survive her, two with whom she shared particularly close bonds. Sandy (Johnson) Lahndorf, shared countless hours with Ginny at the antique store, helping out and keeping her company. Lisa (Tripp) Berreth has been a steady source of emotional support for Ginny and her daughters. The family wishes to thank the staff at Kauhale Otsego for their affectionate daily care of Ginny. They also express much appreciation and gratitude to the nurses at Transitions Hospice of Kalamazoo for their vigilant and loving attention during the last year of her life. Their work is a godsend. Memorial contributions may be made in Ginny’s name to Transitions Care Hospice of Kalamazoo (checks may be made out and mailed to: Transitions Care, 8914 N. Prairie Point, Peoria, IL 61615), or to Recovery International on the website (Recovery International.org). Details for a memorial service for friends and family to gather, and interment of cremains at Robinson Cemetery in Gobles, MI to be determined.

Virginia A. Allen

March 17, 1932 - January 28, 2025