Virginia Lee Harris

Ginger grew up in the North-East Grand Rapids area and graduated from Creston High School in 1954 and went on to attend Grand Rapids Community College. She held various positions throughout her working career. She worked for Grand Rapids Public Schools at Fountain Elementary, NBD Bank, and was the Secretary for the Nursing Division of the Kent County Health Department for over 20 years. During her life she made sure to volunteer her time with several organizations and groups – such as Hospice, the Civic Theater, the Broadway Theatre Guild, the PTA, Bluebirds and Campfire Girls, Scouts, Sunday school, and a reading tutor at Aberdeen school after her retirement. In her free time she enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting, reading, swimming, cooking, organizing, and listening to music – especially The Letterman. She held many passions through her life, but her greatest was the love she had for her family. Ginger always made sure to put her family first. Ginger was an instant friend to everyone and was loved by so many. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Ginger was preceded in death by: parents, Rudolph and Betty Bieri; and grandson, Jesse James McLain.

Ginger is survived by: children, Eric (Alicia) Harris, Michele (Doug) Friend, and Catherine (Bill) Herman; grandchildren, Zack (Jacqui), Aaron, Gabe (Mara), Nathaniel, Micah, Terah (Robert), Jack (Ann), Erica (Adam), Jessica (Nick), and Monica (Shane); great grandchildren, Levi, Sadie, Violet, Isaac, AvaLynn, Alexis, Tobi, Ethan, Brielle, Noah, Eden, Sayer, Christian, Vance, and Rose; brother, Robert Karl Bieri; as well as, many extended family and close friends.

In accordance with Ginger’s wishes, cremation will take place and interment will be held at Fairplains Cemetery of Grand Rapids. A Celebration of Life will be held at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, on Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

The family would like to thank the staff at Boulder Creek Assisted Living and the Staff at Corsocare Hospice for their care and compassion during the final stages of Ginger’s Life.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson DR NW, Walker, MI 49534, and to The Kent County Animal Shelter, 740 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or to any animal rescue of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com for the Harris family.