Part 2 of 2: Robert Green

In those early years, before ACU’s Interior Design program and Kitty Wasemiller were integrated into our department and Norman and Brent had retired, Ginna and Mike were incredibly hospitable to the department. She and Mike hosted us for meals in their home many times. Those gatherings have a special place in my memory and they are one of the things I’ll remember most about Ginna.

Another thing I remember about your mom was how she grew as faculty member once she earned tenure and became full time. At some point in the aughts, she applied for promotion to the rank of professor and was turned down. She didn’t share her disappointment with me. But knowing how others have received such news, I’m confident it was an emotional blow. I wasn’t sure how or if she would move forward, but she did. She got elected to the Faculty Senate and eventually went on to Chair the Faculty Senate. That job is an immense three-year responsibility (serving as Chair Elect, Chair, and Past Chair) and brings one into dialogue and conflict with deans, the provost, president, and members of the Board of Trustees. Honestly, this was not a responsibility I believed Ginna was suited to, but she proved me wrong. She served with distinction and integrity, and earned the respect of all those administrators, as well as faculty across campus who had ultimately entrusted her with the role. Later, when Jack Maxwell took a year-long faculty renewal leave, Ginna was the perfect choice to lead our department during his absence. She did a great job as interim chair. In my memory, this era of Ginna’s career said the most about her character and tenacity, because it happened in response to a temporary defeat. As you know she reapplied following this stretch of time and enthusiastically received her promotion to professor. 

The two of you have much to honor in your mother’s legacy, as do we!

Sincerest Condolences,
Robert

Lela and Laura,

I’ve been struggling with composing my thoughts for several days. The passing of your mom, and my longtime colleague, Ginna has really troubled me and left me with an unusual loss for words.

My heart goes out to the two of you and your lovely families. While I knew Ginna only as colleague and friend, you knew her as a loving mother and grandmother. I can’t imagine the great sense of loss you now feel. My heart goes out to all of you!

I have been sick about my inability to be in Abilene to attend the Ginna’s memorial service, especially so because I missed your father’s memorial for the very same reason. I apologize for not being there and regret that I didn’t get see both of you; for I fear that another opportunity will never materialize. I hope that I’m wrong about that!

I can’t express to you how important your mom was to the character, good will, and quality of our department. Her wit, creativity, and intelligence were an important part of our daily interactions and our feelings of camaraderie. All our students were drawn to her, but she was especially important to our female students because she was a role model for them as they sought a way to craft a life as an artist. Ginna, as you know, did a tremendous job of balancing her role as a mother, wife, and art educator. In our profession, that is an immense accomplishment.

I also noted how Ginna was able to reach and teach students that her colleagues and I struggled to connect with. She was incredibly important in helping students find their voice and succeed as students and artists.

Ginna was my colleague throughout my career at ACU until her retirement. I remember her in my first-ever faculty meetings, when the department was just her, Norman Whitefield, Brent Green, Mel Ristau, Jack Maxwell, and me. She was just 2/3 time in those years, but her role seemed far more significant than that. That was when the two of you were growing up.

Part 1 of 2: from Robert Green

Ginna meant the world to the kids and myself. Although, circumstances prevented me from being there in the end, she forever will hold a spot dear to my heart. Ginna was there for my family in my most trying of times and her grace will never be forgotten. We love her so much. 

Such a wonderful colleague at ACU and fellow member at UCC. Always radiant and positive until one said something unkind. The stern admonition would then come forth. So glad my daughter was taught by her. May she rest in peace and rise in glory!

Ginna created such a beautiful necklace for me as a gift from the faculty when I retired in 2015. It is very special to me. It was made from scraps off of her maker’s bench and featured a lapis and an ebony stone. The chain is made of additional blue stones. It is stunning. I will always remember Ginna’s happy, catchy sense of humor and thoughtful skill when I wear my necklace. 

I met Miss Virginia at Hendrick she would always come say hi !! She always had a smile on her face , on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s she would come eat lunch with us  and would always ask about my children ! She was kind and a super nice person she will be greatly missed , may she rest  in peace !  
Jennifer Staton 

Lela, Laura and families, we’re so sad to hear of the passing of you mom. We have so many special memories of your mom, dad and you girls. You were blessed and may you continue to be blessed with your own wonderful memories. Love and hugs, Marie and Bill Nunnally 

I knew Ginna at University Church for years, but I got much better acquainted with her as we served together on the board of Friends of the Abilene Public Library.  I loved her determination to do ALL within her power to make the our community a better and more literate place. 

God bless you as your grieve such a great woman.

Shirley Baber


OBITUARY

Virginia Gustafson Sadler

June 25, 1948 – March 12, 2023

Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, Garden of Memories Cemetery & Crematory

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