Virginia "Ginny" Meltsch

Helen Virginia “Ginny” Meltsch, 96, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, October 20, 2017, having led an active life on her own terms. At Virginia’s request, she has been cremated; a private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Cremation was in the care of O’Connor Funeral Home. Virginia, or Ginny, as she was known, was born August 15, 1921 in Stockett Montana to Lucas and Helen Meltsch. She grew up in Stockett, Simms and Great Falls. She left high school in Simms to work at a pea factory and various other jobs which eventually landed her in Great Falls at the Coca Cola Company. She later worked for many years at Brunswick Drug and then as a pharmacy technician at Columbus Hospital until her retirement. She served as a caretaker for her sisters and mother in their later lives. Her early adult life was active and in her own words, “I lived it up”. She enjoyed picnics, rock picking, fishing and traveling to different places in the world with her sister and niece. In some respects, she was an early feminist, choosing not to marry and lead an independent life. She loved her family deeply and dearly, and was loved in return by many others. She also treasured spending time at her cabin on the 7-UP ranch in Lincoln Montana. After her retirement, she moved to Black Eagle and resided next door to her sister Evelyn. Together they gardened, traveled and enjoyed retirement together. Virginia’s last three years were spent with her niece and beloved caretaker, Cleone Jordan. This was made possible with the loving and caring assistance of the team at Peace Hospice, with special thanks to Amanda and Bernadette. She is survived by niece Cleone Jordan and nephew Alan Tabaracci; great nieces and nephews, Robert Tabaracci, Alan Jr. Tabaracci, Craig Tabaracci, Mark Jordan and Julie Hickethier; as well as 11 great-great nieces and nephews. Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Lucas and her sisters Evelyn Tabaracci and Iona Forest. The family requests condolences be sent to Cleone Jordan of 10 Brookwood Lane, Great Falls, MT 59405; or contributions are requested to go to Peace Hospice of Montana, PO Box 7008, Great Falls, MT, 59406-7008.