Karen Gingerich, 76, of Waynesboro, Virginia, died January 25, 2022 at Blue Ridge Christian Homes.

She was born in Halsey, OR and went to Western Mennonite High School, Salem, OR and attended two years of college at Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, VA.

Her greatest joy in life was her family; especially her grandchildren who she loved to play with and interact with until the end.  She served in the church in the children's ministry and as a pastor's wife where she was supportive by making everyone feel accepted and loved in God's family.  She worked in retail services beginning in Leggett's, downtown Waynesboro, and retired at Peebles as an Assistant Manager.

She married her high school sweetheart, Duane Gingerich on September 2, 1966 and they just celebrated 55 years of marriage this past year.  Survivors are her husband, Duane; children, Gregory, Derrick (Kathy), and Anthony (Heather); grandchildren, Josiah, Jayson, Courtney, Owen, and Nathan; sisters, Deloris (Elmer) and Janet, (Lamar);  and brother, Amos (Anita).

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Kropf and Pricilla Widmer Kropf; a brother, Arden Kropf; a sister, Delilah Kropf; and a granddaughter, Olivia Gingerich.

A Celebration of Life Worship Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 31, 2022 at Valley Covenant Church. Pastor Jerry Steele will be officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Springdale Mennonite Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at McDow Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Sunday, January 30, 2022.