Virginia Collier

Heaven just got a little brighter, and maybe a little sassier, too.

Jesus called up another angel with Omnipotent jazz hands on Tuesday evening, May 6, 2025, when Virginia “Ginger” Ann Sackenheim Collier’s graceful, luminous soul left this world to accompany the angelic choirs with her celestial, musical heavenly body.

Born April 13, 1948, in Hamilton, Ohio, Ginger — daughter to Robert Edward and Anna Mae (Bruner) Sackenheim — brought light (and occasional mischievous spark) wherever she traveled. She grew up in Hamilton, then eventually settled into retirement in Camden, Ohio near best friends new and old, beloved brothers and sisters-in-love, and the neighborhood kitties she so deeply cared for. Home was always wherever Ginger’s laughter—and her furry menagerie of critters—could be found.

Ginger’s zest for life matched her spice: with an infectious grin and radiant kindness, she filled any room with warmth. Her sense of humor was wickedly sharp, and she could turn even the gloomiest of days around with a perfectly-timed quip or a dazzling smile. She savored colors so much, insisting they conjured delectable flavors (her synesthesia made “tasting the rainbow” take on new meaning).

A romance and sci-fi novel superfan, Ginger could always be found with her nose in a book — and frequently working or volunteering in bookstores to spread the literary love. A crafty character indeed, she even had an array of yarn embellished canvas art designs published in several instructional booklets. She never met a piano she couldn’t charm, or a pipe organ she couldn’t make thunder with joy. Music poured from her soul and uplifted everyone within earshot; including the 111+ piano and organ (and life) students with whom she shared her gifts (both musical and ethereal).

Ginger’s kindness and faith were legendary. She was the embodiment of Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” She cared for everyone in her orbit, showering them with love and tirelessly making everyone feel like the most important person in the world. Birthdays, holidays, Tuesdays—you could always count on Ginger to be there with a song, a prayer, or a pot of her scrumptious chili.

And Ginger was a late-blooming martial artist, proving there’s no age limit to being a ninja! She began training in martial arts in her forties and, with determination and pluck, earned her blue belt—a source of endless family pride (and a warning to never challenge her to a play fight).

Ginger leaves behind a loving legacy: the father of their children Darryl Collier (Mary), nd progeny Amelia Nichole Cagle (Bill); Matthew Douglas Collier (Jade); her treasured grandchildren, Sara Marie Leikness and Sarah Mae Coleman (Bryce); and a delightful medley of grandpets and great- grandpets. She is also survived by her beloved brothers, Raymond Sackenheim (Theresa), Robert Sackenheim (Anita), David Sackenheim, and a multitude of wonderful nieces, nephews, extended and chosen family - with hearts forever touched by her transformational presence.

Ginger loved color, brilliant blues especially (fuschias were also fantastic), so please honor her by cherry-picking your most ‘delicious’ vibrant hues when we gather to celebrate her magnificent journey on the mourning of May 17, 2025 at 11 am. If you feel so inclined, her family would be delighted if you could share a short, sweet anecdote or memory of our precious Ginger at her beloved house of worship where she was both a devoted member and adored pianist:

Liberty Baptist Church 
8215 US-127 
Camden Ohio 45311

May 17, 2025
11:00 AM

*Ginger found fresh flowers ‘detestable’ - her kaleidoscopic artificial garden will adorn her memorial. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to her cherished church (above) or to your favorite animal shelter in her name.

“If you wanna make God laugh, just tell Him your plans” ~ Ginger