Virginia C. “Gin” Cronkhite, 102, of Fort Wayne, passed away on November 18, 2015. Born on May 11, 1913, in Fort Wayne, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Catherine Cronkhite. She was a “Rosie the Riveter” at GE during WWII and later Gin and her lifelong friend Wilma Cress co-owned the Shawnee Inn on the corner of State and Clinton for 25 years.
She is survived by her nieces Candace (Roy) Walz, Deborah (Gary) Schroeder and Nancy (Gary) Forbing; and 15 great nieces and nephews and 26 great-great-nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her lifelong friend Wilma Cress; and brothers, John and Forrest Cronkhite. She made a loving and lasting impression on everyone she met.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am Tuesday November 24, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2155 RandalliaDrive, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held from 6 to 8pm, Monday, November 23, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Covington Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be given to Wounded Warriors or Heartland Hospice
