Trending
GIRARD -- Virginia Derhammer, 88, passed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
She was born Oct. 2, 1937, in Nova, the daughter of the late Bruce and Gertrude Mitchell.
Virginia graduated from East High School in 1956 and earned her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Akron in 1970. Her passion for learning seamlessly translated into a distinguished 30-year career as a physical education teacher in the Revere Local Schools. Virginia's innovative approach and contagious enthusiasm meant she was often found leg-wrestling with students, grandchildren and any willing opponent, forging unforgettable bonds along the way.
Beyond her professional achievements, Virginia's zest for life was evident in her many interests. She loved to dance, whether or not there was music in the air, and embraced activities such as yard-sale hunting, collecting unique treasures, crafting, building puzzles and reading. Her creativity and energy were boundless. She took tremendous pride in being surrounded by love from her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, students and even strangers she met throughout her life.
Her compassion extended deeply into her community. Virginia was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Girard, where she took part in Hannah Circle and Via DeCristo. Her service reached beyond her congregation; she regularly participated in annual reunions, volunteered with the Mahoning County Rescue Mission -- often helping cook for those in need -- and spent time each year living in her homemade box in Akron to promote homeless awareness. Ever resourceful, she would collect discarded plastic table covers and grocery sacks to crochet mats for those experiencing homelessness, embodying the spirit of giving.
Virginia's enthusiasm for life also found expression through her club and organizational memberships: she was a proud member of the Junior Olympics, the Mother of Twins Club, the Genealogy Society of Ohio, Daughters of the Revolution and the First Families of Ohio. She offered her talents as a coach in gymnastics, volleyball and softball, and served as a student council advisor, continually supporting and uplifting young people.
Her friends and loved ones remember her as remarkably kind, easy to get along with, happy, healthy and -- with gentle humor -- pleasantly confused at times. To all who knew her, Virginia was a beacon of positivity whose proudest achievement was the love she gave and received in return.
Virginia leaves to cherish her memory her children, Dawna Kornick, Rhonda Gallagher, Jennifer Derhammer and Geri (Chuck) Burt; stepson, Gary Logue; grandchildren, Kurt (Crystal) and Michael (Alicia) Kornick, Heather (Robert) Latham, Jon (Loretta), Jeremy (Sheri) and Tim Tomasik, Andrea Anderson, Sean Pinero, Shelly, Jason, Sarah, Rachel, Greg Jr., Ben Logue, Rebekah (Greg) Morris, Monica (Glen) Schroder, Courtney, Tony, Erika, Paul (Sarah) Weigand, Mandi (Jon), Dani (Daniel) McDonald, Brandi (Matt) Antalvari, Becky (Brian) McGinty, Beth Joseph and Tony Deeter; great-grandchildren, Logan, Webster, Kelsey, Bennett, Grant, Kylie, Lillyana, Timothy, Brayden, Gabriella, Aleia, Elijah, Kashton, B.J. (Lis), Kayla, Lily, Ian, Sophia, Madeline, Kristen, Amya, Peyton, Mason, Chance, Parker, Bryson, Caden, Abigail, Emily, Kate, Mollie, Josh, Maddie, Zach, Eve, Phoenix, Paizleigh and Phox; great-great-grandchildren, Enia, Guinevere, Aurora, Bodie, Grayson, Carter, Hannah, Miles, Hunter, Sophia, Sarah and James; and many dear friends.
Along with her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her son, Greg Logue; and siblings, Patsy Golay, Barbara Smith, Linda Workman, Dallas, Jim, Tiny, Phil, Larry and Ronnie Mitchell.
Family, friends, former students and all whose lives Virginia touched are invited to celebrate her life at visitation 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard. A funeral service will follow at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Girard.
Virginia will be laid to rest in Green Lawn Cemetery in Akron.
Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send any expressions of sympathy to the family.
(special notice)