Virginia "Gini" Louise Cooley

Virginia “Gini” Cooley, age 93, has gone to join her Savior Jesus Christ. 

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 10:00 am in the chapel of Hillside Christian Church, 6100 S. Soncy, officiated by Dr. Murray Gossett. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. 

Always in for an adventure, Gini lived life to the fullest. She loved the beauty of God’s creation, and while mountains and canyons were breathtaking (how many hikes did she and Doug take?), flowers brought her pure joy. She was a great student of the Scriptures, along with being an impactful leader for over 40 years in the beloved ladies’ Thursday Bible Study. Gini had a spiritual gift of hospitality. She and Doug welcomed into their home any number of Christians traveling through town to stay the night. They also loved having Bible study groups meet in their home. And, oh, the 50+ years of Christmas Cookie parties she hosted! Gini served First Presbyterian Church as a faithful member, deacon, and women’s circle leader.She volunteered with Doug in Kairos prison ministry. But above all, she made a home for Doug and their 3 girls. She fostered love and loyalty, good manners and good grammar (after all, she was an English major). It was important to Gini that her children learn the humility of saying “please” and “thank you” and to always consider how any action would make the other person feel. She was faithful to attend every school event in support of her children. She was a servant to all, but especially to Doug, her soul mate. They were married for 70 years, and always knew what each other thought or needed at any time. He planned and provided for her, and she took care of him. They were happy as larks together all their days.

Virginia Louise Radford Cooley was born December 29,1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Who knew that one day she would work at NBC, the US Mint, a Dude Ranch and demonstrate “Slinkies” at Marshall Fields. She attended Beloit College in Wisconsin where she met her husband, Doug. When they were newly married, the Army sent Doug to Japan and Gini was able to join him there for a year. They then moved to Texas and started their family. It was when they moved to Amarillo and attended First Presbyterian Church that they first learned what fellowship with other Christians was all about. A summer family conference put on by The Navigators at Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs really opened their eyes to having a personal relationship with Christ and the journey was on. They modeled personal Bible study and discipleship. Gini continued to minister to those she loved until she passed into eternal glory on July 7, 2024. 

Virginia is survived by her three daughters, Karen Cooley, Jan Balke and husband Kyle, and Chris Hutchison and husband Richard. She had six grandchildren-Matthew, Michelle, Mary, Emily, Brad and Marc- and thirteen great grandchildren-Emilee, Landon, Gabriel, Ella, Brody, Easton, Grayson, Cole, Grant, Hudson, Paisley, Boston and Scottie-all of whom she loved very much and in whom she had unmitigated and unending pride. 

Gini was an ambassador on earth but now resides in her heavenly home. Praise God! His lovingkindness endures forever!