Virginia Gross

Gross , Virginia Thomson 8/15/1928 - 8/11/2022 Richland, MI Virginia 'Ginny' Thomson Gross, 93, died Thursday evening, August 11, 2022 at Beacon Pointe Assisted Living in Richland just days before she would have celebrated her 94th birthday. Called Ginny by her husband A. Richard (Dick) Gross and friends, she was born Virginia Ruth Thomson on August 15, 1928 in Pittsfield, MA, the daughter of Mabel (Alderman) and William N. Thomson. Ginny and Dick were high school sweethearts and after attending college in different states, reconnected in Milwaukee where they were both working and were married at her parent's home in Port Chester, NY in September 1952. The anniversary of their first date (November 6, 1944) was a special occasion that they celebrated every year. Ginny and Dick were the proud parents of five children: Dr. Katherine (Dr. Gary Mittelbach) Gross of Richland, Dr. Richard (Laura) Gross of Morgantown, WV, Anne (Jeff) Allen of Powell, OH, David (Tracy Martin) Gross of East Hardwick, VT and Elizabeth Gross of Louisville, KY. Her family grew to include eight grandchildren, John and Mark Mittelbach, Richard and Michael Allen, Sarah Chen, Thomson, Wilson and Emmaline Gross. Her legacy also includes nine great grandchildren, Jonah, Allen, Rowan, Hartley, Ella, Harmony, Poppy, Thomson and Jamie. All of whom, along with family and friends across the country, will miss this remarkable woman. Ginny moved many times over her life and was an active volunteer in all the communities where she lived. Within a year after moving to Richland (2007), she was appointed to the Richland Village Council; the following year she was elected to a full term on the Council and then became President. A voracious reader and bridge player, Ginny was involved in two bridge clubs and three book clubs in Richland. She and Dick enjoyed entertaining and were known for inviting new people in the community over for dinner, often before they had finished unpacking! She was a founding member of the Pattiwood neighborhood "wine night" and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Dick Gross, who passed away in October 2016 at the age of 88 and her daughter Elizabeth's husband, Doug Fenn who died in February 2021. A visitation will be held on Monday, August 22nd at the Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A memorial service to celebrate Ginny's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Richland, 8047 Church Street, on Tuesday, August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. This service will be live-streamed from the Church's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/First-Presbyterian-Church-Richland-Michigan-164149746972183. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Richland Community Library 8951 Park St, Richland MI 49083, Beacon Point Assisted LivingRichland, 8774 32nd St, Richland, MI 49083 for the Staff appreciation fund or any organization that supports the welfare of women and children. Further information can be found online and personal messages may be placed at farleyestesdowdle.com.