Virginia "Ginger" Lee Kerr

Virginia "Ginger" Kerr, formally known as Stowell, was born December 29, 1957 to Harry Stowell and Mary H. McKinney. She grew up on a farm and attended school in Ayrshire, IA. In 1968 the family moved to Emmetsburg, IA where she continued to receive her education. She was active in many school activities including the student council, where she received the student service award. She also participated in music. Music was a very important part of her life. At the age of 14, she taught herself how to play guitar. This later led to her writing her own music and playing at local events. She later recorded her single, " It’s Hard To Make A Livin' "

In 1984, Ginger received her GED. Determined to make a living for her and her children, Ginger attended Buena Vista College in 1989, where she graduated with a degree in Substance Abuse Counseling. Due to all her late nights and hard work, she received the Outstanding Adult Learners award in 1990.

Her career path took her down many roads. She was a Substance Abuse Counselor at Forest Ridge for many years. She also served on the board through Upper Des Moines. She is well known for her customer service at Country Kitchen and McDonald’s in Spencer, IA. During her spare time, she ran her at-home business, Design Deck. She spent numerous hours making crafts and candles for her customers. At one point she served time on the ambulance team in Hartley, IA as a volunteer EMT. She also assisted in making Super 8 signs that can be found across Iowa. 

Ginger’s hobbies included scrapbooking, cross-stitching and various craft projects. Every year her children and grandchildren received a homemade gift that they will be able to cherish forever. Her favorite thing to do was knit hats for NICU babies and send them to various hospitals including St. Jude's. Fellowship with friends and family was very important to her. She spent her afternoons with her coffee crew at Country Kitchen throughout the years. She spent her time reading her Bible. She enjoyed opening it up and sharing her passion for God with everyone including her children and grandchildren. Her love for Jesus was unconditional just like her love for her children and grandchildren. 

Ginger didn’t let cancer bring her down. In December of 2021 she was admitted to Avera Hospice, where her team, alongside her family cared for her. Her destination was to go home to be with Jesus. She fought a good fight. Victory was won and she passed away peacefully July 2, 2022 in her home in Lone Rock, IA. Ginger was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents Harry Stowell and Mary Mckinney, and her son Cory Williamson. 

Keeping her memory close at heart are her daughters, Meloni (James) Mengelsen of Spencer, IA, Twins Jacqueline (Eric) Hamerlinck of Milan, IL, Samantha (Matt) Cooper, of Altoona, IA. Desirae Anderton of Lone Rock, IA., and Kari (Allister) Sindt of Everly, IA. Her siblings, Lindy (Barney) Buren of Sanborn, IA, Harry (Valerie) Stowell of Crossville, TN, and Rick (Peg) Stowell of Gilbert, IA. Her stepmother Janice Stowell of Ayrshire, IA. Also left to cherish her memories are 7 nieces and nephews, 12 grandchildren, and special friends Kline G. and Marlin Williamson

Because of her passion for cross stitching, in the back of the sanctuary her cross-stitch projects are displayed. After the service, her wish was for family and friends to take one home to cherish. In lieu of flowers she wanted all memorials to go to the Ayrshire Legion and Emmetsburg VFW.

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