Ginger Murray Sharpe

April 23, 2019

Virginia Ann “Ginger“ (Caine) Murray Sharpe, died April 23, 2019. At her death, we are humorously reminded of Winston Churchill sentiment when he commented, “I am ready to meet my maker, whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” She was beautifully sassy. She left behind a devoted family: Her sister and brother-in-law JoAnne and Richard McCorkle as well as her children and their families: Melinda E Langeberg and her husband Joseph and children, Grace, Charles, and Michael; Jeffrey Brian Murray and his wife Darcie and children, Hannah and William. Ginger loved four stepchildren and their families: Melissa and Dan Corcoran, Thomas Sharpe, Stacia and Scott Greenfield, and Timothy and Maureen Sharpe. Her final days were marked with a constant stream of friends and family who came to share laughter and stories- to say thank you and to say goodbye. Many of those stories focused on family gatherings at a campground or around a dining room table cluttered with scrabble tiles or Yahtzee dice. Ginger loved watching jets and attending air shows. She loved traveling and would often ask people where they were from just so she could talk about the world. She adored her dogs and loved reading and music. Ginger was born in Madison, WI. She was the oldest of seven children: Ginger, Mitchell, Stewart, Thomas, JoAnne, Martha, and Barbara. Her father was a salesman and owner of Red Wing shoes, so her family moved a few times before settling in New Castle, IN. For example, they moved from Madison, WI, to Fort Dodge, IA, to Rockford, IL. In New Castle, she graduated from New Castle Chrysler High School. After high school, she attended Ball State University where she met her first husband, Captain Philip Murray of Richmond, IN. Phil and Ginger were married in June of 1967. With Phil, Ginger traveled the world as an Air Force wife. Ginger loved these adventures. She lived in Mississippi; New Mexico; Yoluva, Turkey; Texas; and Illinois. While overseas, she visited Germany, France, and Italy. Before leaving for Turkey, her children Melinda and Jeff were born in Clovis, New Mexico. She had many wonderful stories of moving to Turkey with two small children. After leaving the Air Force, she and her family settled in the Chicago area. While in Chicago, she graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology with a degree in computer science. She worked at Computer Support Center where she met her second husband, Garl Sharpe. She and Garl loved their blended family. They hosted camping trips and were always driving around the country in their big red truck hooked to a camper and Sammy, the dog, in the back seat. Their favorite camping trips were at Disney and the Rockies. It was a good camping trip if she could watch the sun come up over the Florida coast. She and Garl had a close group of friends who they traveled with to Vermont and northern Wisconsin. She often returned from these trips with tales of cabins, wine, and laughter. Ginger and Garl moved back to New Castle to be close to family. In New Castle she found peace and family with her beloved sister Jo Anne and brother-in-law Ric. She built a strong friendship with her dog park friends Ron, Chris, and John, and was often seen dining with them on a Thursday night. After Garl died, she moved into her “little house” where she enjoyed time with her flowers, her sewing, and her crossword puzzles. She was a strong supporter of Chrysler High athletics, attending football and basketball games with her sister, Jo. With her sister, she joined Altrusa International to help serve and strengthen communities. Her journey ended at Hickory Creek Nursing Home. There she met many wonderful nurses and care staff who she counted as friends. She enjoyed talking all things medical with the staff. Ginger made friends wherever she went. Had it not been for her Lupus, we are convinced she would be traveling the world, going to air shows, dancing, laughing, and of course, making friends. She will be missed. We are comforted by Helen Keller’s words: “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose for all that we love deeply become a part of us.” To remember and honor Ginger, the family will host a reception and time of gathering for family and friends from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Sproles Family Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be offered to the Henry County Humane Society, 11 Midway Dr., New Castle, Indiana 47362, www.ncsheltertraining.com or to Altrusa International, www.altrusa.org. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Virginia Ann “Ginger“ (Caine) Murray Sharpe.