Virginia Ellen “Ginny” Utz, age 96, of Shelby, died early Tuesday morning, April 29, 2025 at Mill Creek Nursing and Rehab in Galion.
Ginny was born on October 10, 1928 in Howard, Ohio to the late Clyde and Mary Catherine (Cochran) Biggs. A 1946 graduate of Howard High School, Ginny continued her education at the Mount Vernon Business College. A homemaker while raising her children, Ginny later worked at Shelby Business Forms as a credit manager, retiring under the Uforma ownership.
On December 31, 1948, Ginny married Mahlon Franklin Utz, and they celebrated nearly 37 years together before Mahlon’s passing in 1985. Ginny was a member of the First Christian Church where she served as Treasurer and proudly sang in the church choir. A long-time member of the Blackfork Players, she enjoyed reading and also loved sewing, having made many of her children’s clothes over the years.
Ginny is survived by her children: Janet Laubie, Cathie (Kenny) Albert, and Michael Utz; grandchildren: Scott (Sarah) Laubie, Tom (Miranda) Laubie, Mark (Ellen) Laubie, Matt (Brandie) Albert, Kristie (Brandon) Walp, Jeff (Jessica) Albert, Craig (Samantha) Utz, and Katelyn Utz; great grandchildren: Parker, Braden, Kellan, Cooper, Myles, Juliet, Blake, Owen, Jack, Cole, McGwire, Marek, Marleigh, Kendra, Karlie, Barron, Audi, Quinton, and Elliott; sister; Bonnie Ornduff; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Ginny was preceded in death by her son-in-law: Jim Laubie; daughter-in-law: Denise Utz; and brothers: John, Dale, and Carl Biggs.
Graveside services will be private at Oakland Cemetery, Shelby, where Ginny will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Mahlon. Calling hours will not be observed. Care for Ginny and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, OH 44875.
Online condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com