Virginia Ellen “Ginny” Utz
Virginia Ellen “Ginny” Utz, age 96, of Shelby, died early Tuesday morning, April 29, 2025 at Mill Creek Nursing and Rehab in Galion.
Ginny was born on October 10, 1928 in Howard, Ohio to the late Clyde and Mary Catherine (Cochran) Biggs. A 1946 graduate of Howard High School, Ginny continued her education at the Mount Vernon Business College. A homemaker while raising her children, Ginny later worked at Shelby Business Forms as a credit manager, retiring under the Uforma ownership.
On December 31, 1948, Ginny married Mahlon Franklin Utz, and they celebrated nearly 37 years together before Mahlon’s passing in 1985. Ginny was a member of the First Christian Church where she served as Treasurer and proudly sang in the church choir. A long-time member of the Blackfork Players, she enjoyed reading and also loved sewing, having made many of her children’s clothes over the years.
Ginny is survived by her children: Janet Laubie, Cathie (Kenny) Albert, and Michael Utz; grandchildren: Scott (Sarah) Laubie, Tom (Miranda) Laubie, Mark (Ellen) Laubie, Matt (Brandie) Albert, Kristie (Brandon) Walp, Jeff (Jessica) Albert, Craig (Samantha) Utz, and Katelyn Utz; great grandchildren: Parker, Braden, Kellan, Cooper, Myles, Juliet, Blake, Owen, Jack, Cole, McGwire, Marek, Marleigh, Kendra, Karlie, Barron, Audi, Quinton, and Elliott; sister; Bonnie Ornduff; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Ginny was preceded in death by her son in law: Jim Laubie; daughter in law: Denise Utz; and brothers: John, Dale, and Carl Biggs.
Graveside services will be private at Oakland Cemetery, Shelby, where Ginny will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Mahlon. Calling hours will not be observed. Care for Ginny and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, OH 44875.
Online condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuner-alHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Kathy, Kenny: so sorry for the loss of your mother. Prayers to the entire family✝️✝️✝️
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.
Cathie, Mike and Janet.
Our sincere condolences to you and your families on the loss of your mom.
My deepest condolences to the Utz, Albert & Laubie families.
So very sorry prayers to her great family
So sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother, Mike and family. God grant you all comfort.
So sorry for your loss, I enjoyed talking to your Mom when I would see her at Drug Mart!
Janet, I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I always loved running into her at Cornell’s. Praying for your family.
Cathie, Janet and Mike….my sincere condolences to all of you and the rest of the family. I have great memories of your Mom from the times we played in the neighborhood as kids to the times at church…singing in the choir and other events. I pray for your peace, knowing your Mom is in the presence of the Prince of Peace.
Mike and Family, My sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mother and Grandmother.
Janet, Cathie, Mike and families. I am so very sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I remember so vividly growing up together across the street from all of you for so many years and many Sundays spent at church together. Cherish the many moments you spent with your mother and lean on the one who your strength will come from. What a blessed assurance to know she left this world and walked into the arms of Jesus. My prayers will be with you and all the family during the coming days.
Janet, Cathie and Mike and families. So sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed your mom and whole family when we were back yard neighbors (West Jefferson and West Madison). Prayers are with you all.
Mike, very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences for the loss of your mother, Mike. All my prayers to you and your family.