SAYBROOK — Virginia “Ginger” “Chee Chee” Racey, age 73, of Lucas Ave., passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Born Dec. 4, 1939, in Ashtabula, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Judd and Betty (Deak) Campbell.
Ginger worked at Andover Industries in Andover where she met the love of her life, Charles. They were married on Oct. 28, 1961. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Conneaut, and more recently attended Mt. Carmel Church in Ashtabula.
She loved music and managed her own dance bands for over 45 years. Some of the bands were; The Rebels, Ginger and the Gingersnaps, and the Lady Midnight Riders. She appeared on Polka Varieties in Cleveland, the Bea Canfield Show in Erie, Pa. and was on Conneaut Cable TV for several months.
Virginia also owned and operated her own Nite Club near Scranton, Pa. for several years, and then operated Dixie Dee Ice Cream in Ashtabula and Conneaut. She loved flowers and gardening, and dancing, roller skating, motorcycle riding and fishing.
Mrs. Racey is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Charles; son, John (Terry) Racey of Andover; daughters, Debbie Maze, Mechele (James) Stuper, and Tammy Racey, all of Ashtabula; seven grandchildren, Tim Racey, Malissa (John) Story, Marilyn Maze, C.J. Maze, Eva Maze, Natasha Racey and William Racey; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Arthur Campbell of Madison, Steve (Judy) Campbell of Kenton, Ohio and Bradley Campbell of Ashtabula; several nieces and nephews; and her companion “Tiny.”
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Raymond and Richard Campbell.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 24th, at Our Lady of Peace, Mount Carmel Worship Site, with Father Raymond Thomas presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Conneaut.
Calling Hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 23rd, at ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Ave., Ashtabula.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society.
Obituary at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com
