Posted on 12/27/2017
Virginia (Gini) Gear, 93, died peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 20. She passed into what she firmly believed will be eternal life in heaven. Her warmth and generosity created a living legacy of loving family and cherished friends who will miss her greatly. Gini was born April 13, 1924, in Hutchinson, KS, to John B Brehm and Bertha Louise (Dack) Brehm. She was an only child who loved animals and gardens, developing a lifelong sensitivity towards disadvantaged people and animals. She graduated in 1942 from Hutchinson High School, where she met her future husband, Raymond James (Jim) Gear. From 1942 to 1944, she attended the University of Kansas and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. On June 7, 1945, Gini and Jim married at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, beginning a 50 year union that lasted until his death in 1995. The couple moved to Wichita in 1954. Gini's greatest joy was in her family: daughters Nancy Campbell and Trish Higgins, both of Wichita, and her deceased son James B Gear; grandchildren Scarlett Higgins and her husband Matthew Hofer, of Albuquerque, NM, Hanae Nosti and her husband Patrick, of Fairway, KS, Ryan Higgins and his wife Jessica Sherrets, of San Carlos, CA and Taylor Campbell and his wife Dawn, of Las Vegas, NV. Gini also leaves four great-grandchildren: Andreas and Matti Hofer, Sofia and Hugo Nosti. She is survived, as well, by her cousin Charlotte Miller, of Ponte Vedra, FL and Charlotte's daughter Connie Triano and her husband Donald, also of Ponte Vedra, FL. Gini and Charlotte grew up together in Hutchinson and view one another as sisters. During her years in Wichita, Gini was involved in many activities and many organizations and developed a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. She recently received her 75 year pin for membership in the DJ chapter of PEO. She also served as a deacon at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, volunteered for Meals On Wheels, and was a lifelong member of Petroleum Women. The family wishes to thank caregivers at Larksfield Assisted Living, Larksfield Health Care Center, and Harry Hynes Hospice. Their kind and loving attention greatly enriched Gini's final days. Memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 pm Friday, December 29 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N Webb Road. In lieu of flowers there are memorials with Meals On Wheels and the Wichita Art Museum. A few years ago, as Gini's friend of more than 50 years, Betty Stone, was preparing to leave for Birmingham, AL, Betty asked Gini "When will we see each other again?" Gini responded with certainty, "See you in Heaven". Share condolences at www.CozineMemorial.com. Services by Broadway Mortuary.
Broadway Mortuary
1147 South Broadway Street
Wichita, KS 67211
(316) 262-3435
Published in The Wichita Eagle on Dec. 27, 2017