Ginger R. Fitch

Ginger R. Fitch, age 59 of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away Monday April 3, 2023.  She was born March 8, 1964 in Baytown, Texas.  Ginger grew up in Riviera and Premont, Texas, raised by her beloved paternal grandmother Melrose.  She and her husband Jim were high school sweethearts and eloped together on March 13, 1982.  Ginger followed Jim as the Air Force sent him around the country before settling down in Ohio to raise their family.  Family was most important to Ginger and she loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother.  Ginger had tremendous love that she spread to all who knew her, but she was also known for having a sharp tongue, and rarely shied away from expressing her opinions, whether positive or negative. This trait sometimes put a strain on her friendships, but to those closest to her it could also be a quality that made her relationships stronger.  For those who knew her, however, Ginger is most well remembered for having a personality that could fill a room, and a generous, accepting nature.

Scouting was a life-long passion for Ginger.  In her youth Ginger reached the rank of First Class as a Girl Scout.  Later in life she would return to scouting with her son Orren as an adult leader. She and her husband Jim helped grow a local Cub Scout Pack from just a few members to dozens, serving in positions of Den Leader and Committee Chair.  She is remembered for her participation in Cub Scout Summer Camp, playing “Indiana Ginger” at an “archaeological dig” providing fun and education to hundreds of Scouts.

Ginger was a former water safety instructor and lifeguard.  She was a graduate of Eastern Washington State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.  Ginger was a former instructor with the Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association, but more recently became active with the Dayton Dog Training Club, both as an instructor and participant with her dog Blackie.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandmother who made a significant impact on her life, Melrose Russell; her father, James Russell; and mother, Sara (Elms) Livingston.  Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Jim; son, Orren (Amanda) Fitch of Huber Heights, Ohio; three grandchildren, Draco, AloraWinry, and Ingrid; as well as the many foster children she and her husband cared for before the birth of their son.  A private service was held by the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dayton Dog Training Club, 3046 East River Road, Moraine, Ohio 45439 (937-293-5219).