Janet "Ginger" V. Heepke

Janet V. “Ginger” Heepke, age 90, of Staunton, IL, passed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at her residence at The Glenwood Supportive Living of Staunton. Ginger was born on July 11, 1935, the daughter of the late Thomas V. &  Virginia (Bode) Myers.  Ginger married Virgil F. Heepke on February 8, 1957, in Edwardsville.  Virgil preceded Ginger in death on April 11, 2015, after 58 years of marriage.  Ginger is survived by two sons, Thomas “Tom” Heepke & wife Kelly of Oronoco, MN and Robert “Rob” Heepke & wife Tricia, of Staunton, IL; two daughters, Cheryl “Cheri” Heepke of Greenwood, SC and Melissa “Missy” Simmons of Allentown, PA; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 4 step grandchildren.   Besides her parents and husband, Ginger was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Andy Simmons.  Ginger had a passion for singing along with her husband Virgil. Along with her husband, both would sing at many funerals and weddings.  Ginger was also a member of the musical groups Sweet Adelines, Merry Madelines, and the Eden Church Choir.   Ginger was also an avid bowler in various women’s leagues and the Eden Church League.  She was a past council president at The Well UCC Church in Glen Carbon.  Ginger was the owner of the Melody Card & Gift Shoppe on Main St., but her favorite job was being an aid to the special needs children at Edwardsville Junior High School.    Ginger also enjoyed many other activities, playing cards & games, sewing, reading, and watching mystery movies.  She also had a passion for dogs.  A visitation will be on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 also at the funeral home with Rev. John Roberts officiating.  Interment will be at Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville. The family suggests memorials to The Glenwood Supportive Living of Staunton or Metro-East Humane Society.  Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.

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