Dec. 1, 1954-April 13, 2012
A devoted wife, sister and aunt, Ginny was a bright light in the lives of many. She was also a woman of words. As a journalist, she respected brevity. If Ginny´s essence were captured in two words, they would be "big hearted."
Born in Dickinson, North Dakota, Ginny Getz and her family moved to Montana in 1956. Seven months after her youngest sister Loretta was born in 1958, their father Lloyd died of a sudden heart attack.
Growing up in a family of nine children, Ginny learned a lot about sharing, caring and teamwork. In 1962, the family purchased a farm south of Whitehall, which became known simply as "the place." Her mother Ruth taught her to respect the land, appreciate hard work and responsibility and to enjoy the sustaining power of laughter through good times and bad.
Before the kids could go swimming, they had to weed two rows of the garden. In the summer they fished for trout on the banks of Fish Creek and the Jefferson River. In the winter they skated on the frozen creek.
Ginny was 15 when their mother died. Her older brothers Garry and Kevin helped raise the younger one's on "the place." Although Ginny lost her parents when she was young, she inherited from her mother qualities that anyone who knew Ginny would recognize: hone'sty, unconditional love, loyalty and pride.
Her mother also gave Ginny a deep faith in God, a faith that strengthened and comforted her during her illness. Ginny was a member of the St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, baptized at St. Mary´s in Marmarth, North Dakota, and confirmed at St. Theresa of Avila in Whitehall.
Ginny´s "smarts" were evident at an early age. She wasn´t a first-grader for long before she was moved to second grade. Her sister Mary gave her a life-long gift when she taught Ginny to read as a small child.
Reading began writing. From her work on the high school newspaper to a byline in the Virginia City, Montana, newspaper, Ginny proved to be a capable, incisive writer. She graduated as salutatorian of the class of 1972 at Whitehall High School.
She received her bachelor´s degree in journalism from the University of Montana in 1976. With that degree she went to work at the Bismarck, North Dakota, Bismarck Tribune and the Glendive Ranger-Review, where she was promoted from reporter to editor. A proponent of rural living, Ginny shared those insights as a columnist for Montana Magazine.
She once said of reporting, "I really liked being on the spot as news developed. It engaged my brain, and the reporter´s notebook allowed me to ask all the questions I wanted." The Montana Press Association agreed and awarded her many honors.
1979 was momentous for Ginny. She met her future husband Mike Archdale and they began a 30-year adventure together. On September 2, 1982, they were married at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Miles City by Rev. Chuck Mitchell, an Episcopalian minister. Rev. Schlosser, a Roman Catholic priest, blessed the ceremony, which reflected Ginny and Mike´s respect for each other´s perspective and philosophies. It also characterized their relationship in the years to come.
Ginny shared with Mike trout fishing in western Montana while eating watermelon from a cold mountain stream. Mike shared with Ginny a hot, dry afternoon at the 4th of July rodeo in Terry. Ginny introduced Mike to a new culinary sensation at his first lutefisk dinner in 1983. Mike shared lamb, mushrooms and curry venison. Their marriage was seasoned with spirited discussions about politics and varying viewpoints based on a strong foundation of love.
In 1983, they moved to Wibaux, where Mike went to work for the Wibaux public school system, and Ginny began her job at the Ranger Review. In 1990, she became the town clerk for Wibaux. She was elated at the prospect of eight-hour workdays, unlike the 14-hour days she put in on the Review. But an "eight-hour day" was not in Ginny´s vocabulary.
Ginny´s passion to make Wibaux and eastern Montana better places to live capitalized on her many talents for a host of projects. She wrote a historical pageant for Wibaux County during the state centennial in 1989 and helped create the town´s 2011 historical calendar. Even while suffering from the effects of her cancer treatment, Ginny worked hard to complete the budget last summer.
An avid birdwatcher, trout fisher and gardener, Ginny´s hobbies reflected her love of nature and attachment to the earth. She was at peace when riding the lawnmower. In December 2011, after years of searching, she finally spotted a snowy owl west of Wibaux.
The most precious things in Ginny´s life were family and friends. All of her family were dear to her, but she shared a very special bond with her sister Loretta with whom she spent many holidays. She deeply appreciated the kindnesses people showed her during this past year. Muriel Sokoloski and Debie McBride efforts enabled Ginny to visit her brothers and sisters in Western Montana, and to walk and fish on "the place" to restore her soul in order to face the health challenges that lay ahead.
Ginny was the kind of aunt every child wants. Devoted, loving and very proud of all of her 21 nieces and nephews, Ginny followed their lives and careers with great interest. During the summer of 2011 Ginny was able to a number of wishes on her bucket list which included, trout fishing, the Getz family reunion, attending a Montana Griz football game and having her first taste of Griz Whiz.
She is survived by her husband Mike, five brothers, three sisters and their spouses and children. Her brothers are Kevin and Judy Getz (Butte), Garry and Jeanne Getz (Whitehall), Bob Getz (Big Timber), Eddie and Sandy Getz (Slinger, Wisconsin) and Teddy Getz (Auburn, Washington) and sisters Mary and Frank Johnston (Butte), Juanita and Brian Hockett (Havre) and Loretta and Scott Andrews (Helena); a sister-in-law, Gloria Archdale of Miles City, MT; a brother-in-law, Lionel (Sandy) Archdale of Redmond, WA; and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ruth Getz; father and mother-in-law, Jimmy and Hattie Archdale; sister-in-law, Pat Archdale.
The family would like to thank Dr. Connors and the staff of the fourth floor at the Billings Clinic Hospital, the Wibaux county nursing home, Glendive Medical Center Hospice unit, and Winnie White.
A vigil service will be held on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter´s Catholic Church in Wibaux, MT. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter´s Catholic Church in Wibaux, MT. Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, MT a reception will follow at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
The family asks that memorials be made to Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, 230 W. Monroe, Chicago, IL 60606 or to Wibaux County Nursing Home boiler fund and the Wibaux Endowment Fund.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
19:00
Monday April 16, 2012
St. Peters Catholic Church
313 1st Ave. S.
Wibaux, MT 59353
Funeral Mass
10:00
Tuesday April 17, 2012
St. Peter's Catholic Church
313 1st Ave. S.
Wibaux, MT 59353
Mass of Christian Burial
14:30
Tuesday April 17, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
19:00
Monday April 16, 2012
St. Peters Catholic Church
313 1st Ave. S.
Wibaux, MT 59353
Funeral Mass
10:00
Tuesday April 17, 2012
St. Peter's Catholic Church
313 1st Ave. S.
Wibaux, MT 59353
Mass of Christian Burial
14:30
Tuesday April 17, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Share
Tom & Nona Muckle says
To Mike & Family:
With our love and prayers.
Rodney and Marilyn Askin9 says
Mike and Family: Our Sympathy, Thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Rodney and Marilyn Askin
Carol and Gene Markuson says
Mike and Family. God Bless. Our prayers are with you.
Paul and Kara Button and kids says
Mike and family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denise Harvey says
Loretta, Scott, and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of a beautiful soul who now rests in peace watching over all of you.
Kim Smarsh says
Loretta, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on Loretta’s passing. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this difficult time. You will be in my constant thoughts and prayers.
Rob and Judy Reukauf says
We are very sorry to hear of Ginny’s passing. Her spirited debates will be missed as will her unique world viewpoint. Take care Mike, and we’ll see you down the trail.
Gracie Ann Waples Hill says
To Ginny and her family–I don’t know you–but what a wonderful tribute to Ginny. Thanks for sharing. Remarkable woman.
Cathy Bloomgren Wanderaas says
Now she’s gone to live in heaven; A life free from pain
Her suffering now has ended. Our loss will be HIS gain
By Jesus stripes she is healed. Her pain will be no more
Let’s release this precious saint to the arms of the Lord.
Christians never say goodbye; we only move to our home on high
Free from pain and never die; with Jesus we will reign!
From “Christians Never Say Goodbye” by The Nelons
Kathy Marks says
Loretta and family-my prayers are with you in your loss.
Linda and Wes Bacon says
Our thoughts are with you. Ginny left many legacies behind. Because of her Wibaux is a better place to live. We will miss her…
mike Correll says
To my good friend Mike and family. I just today learned of Ginnys passing from a friend in Miles City. I am so very sorry for your loss, Mike. I just finished reading Ginny obit and I so wish I had known her better. Beth and I have you in our prayers and know because of your faiths in God you & Ginny will be together again in eternity.
Kathleen Grauman says
Mike,
My sympathy to you and your family. Ginny lived life large! Please know your friends are holding you in our thoughts. Hugs from your grade school buddy.
Gloria Lambertz says
Dearest Family of Ginny,
While I never had the opportunity to meet your wife and sister I am so very for your loss. I read Ginny’s obituary, she sounds like an amazing human being, someone I’m sure I would have enjoyed meeting.
Love and Prayers to you All.
Brendan and Melissa Getz says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill Huntzicker says
Words cannot express an appreciation for Ginny Archdale´s warm personality and generous spirit any better than the loving devotion written above. During her extended illness, no one could have been more devoted and loyal than her husband, Mike, and her many brothers and sisters. Their constant vigil at her side demonstrated a closely knit family that was the well from which she drew her strength and her kindness. I miss her already and hope you find comfort in pleasant memories of Ginny.
Pat & Brenda Mischel says
Dear Mike,
Our sincere sympathy goes out to you in this time of great sorrow. May the lord keep you in his arms as the days pass without your beloved Ginny.
Bonnie Boggs says
Mike and family, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Virginia. She was such a special lady and had so much energy and love for the things she did. She leaves a large void and I pray that you will be surrounded by Gods hands so that you can know that she lives on in memory and that you can go on with a smile on your face and love in your heart. I’m so sorry. Bonnie
Mark & Doris Pinkerton says
Our deepest sympathy.
Jackie & Doug Olmstead says
Mike & Family
Remember “Departed loved ones stay near in the form of Angels”. Ginny will be watching over all of you.
James J. Wosepka, PC says
Mike and family – It was a great joy to work with Ginny on the town’s audit. She will be greatly missed!! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Wosepka
Jenn Erickson
Ranger Review Crew in Glendive says
Mike – Ginny was an editor you could not ever forget. She was such a hard worker, smart and funny. When she laughed we all laughed and when it was time to do serious newspaper work we respected her for it. God Bless her and her family that she leaves behind.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Mike, Loretta, and Family,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your dearest Ginny. We know you will all miss her deeply. May the Holy Spirit, the Divine Comforter, bring you all peace, healing, and comfort. Keeping you close in thought and prayer during the coming days. With loving sympathy. Kim, Dan, Kasey, and Kyle Stanton
Steve and Dona Gonzalez says
Mike, Scott, and Loretta:
Just got the news. Our hearts and prayers are with you. The world is a bit diminished with this huge loss. We will be in touch.
Steve, Dona Jess,brandy, Loren and Daemon Gonzalez
Tom McPhee says
Mike and Family, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charlie Pratt says
Mike you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Connie Phalen says
Mike, I had full intentions to come to Jenny’s life celebration but it didn’t work out. We are seeding and the time just got away. So sorry about your loss of your best friend. I know you have alot of friends to help you through times like this, God bless you and hang in there they best way that you can. Love you Mike.
Mike Carlson says
Oue deepest sympathy to Mike and the family of Ginny. What a loss of talent and a hardworing supporter of Wibaux and Eastern Montana. Her dedication to making Wibaux a better place to live and keeping the town going will not be forgotten.
It’s hard to understand but God takes the very best. Our prayer are for her, the family and the many friends she left behind.
Mike Nicosia says
Mike,
I am so sorry to hear of
Ginny’s passing. May the Lord’s peace and comfort be with you in this most difficult time, my friend.
Dorothy Paladichuk says
My sympathy to those Ginny leaves behind. I got to know her when we would attend city clerk conferences and it was always evident that the Town of Wibaux definitely got their money’s worth with her as an employee. She was always so cheerful. God bless her memory.
Mark Browning says
Kind thoughts are sent your way for this time.
Katie Holovnia says
Dear Getz family, many thoughts and prayers to you for Ginny and all the wonderful memories she gave us. Love, Katie and Brett
Butch & Marilynn Arnoldt says
Mike, We are so sorry to hear of Ginny’s passing and send you your family all the symphathy and prayers from us. Sorry we couldn’t be there for you but we are out of the state right now but wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and your family. Hope to see you sometime. Love to you, Butch and Marilynn Arnoldt
Paula Walker says
To Mike and all who were lucky enough to call Ginny “Family.”
Ginny has been on my mind all week. Yesterday, I saw a red-winged blackbird and wanted to point it out to her.
From reading this guestbook, it appears that Ginny was the same spirited, generous, bright woman I met nearly 40 years ago. Lonn and I send our deepest condolences to you. Ginny was as real as it gets.
Karen Losing says
Dear Loretta and Scott,
I’m so sorry for your loss of Ginny. That is so sad to lose your sister and friend. I remember her friendly disposition. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Roy Millegan says
My Deepest Sympathy to Virginia’s family. I was a classmate of her and Teddy in Whitehall. God will take care of her now as she walks with Jesus hand in hand now.
Sandy Strozzi House says
Sending my deepest sympathy to Virginia’s family. I have so many memories of good times we had in school. She was a very special person and will be greatly missed.
Albert Niccolucci says
I just read of Ginny’s passing in the UM Montanan. I worked with Ginny here in Helena before she moved to Eastern Montana. I was sorry to see her move away. I remember her great spirit and kindness. My condolences.