Obituary

Virginia Lee Hambrick (nee Potter, Buvinger / Richey), aged 100, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 8, 2024. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Virginia (Ginny) was born on April 23, 1923 in Dayton, OH where she spent her formative years. An athlete at her core, Ginny played field hockey and even won a state championship in tennis. She earned her degree from Miami University, where she studied Education. She held several different positions throughout her career, from physical education teacher and basketball coach to fifth grade classroom teacher. She was known for establishing amazing relationships with her students, and many of those relationships continued well into her retirement. So it wasn’t a surprise that, while living in Greenmont Village, former students would frequently drop by to say hello or lend a helping hand. Her love of teaching has survived her in that all three of her granddaughters became educators themselves.

Ginny was a devoted mother and grandmother. She and her husband Rich enjoyed traveling the country, and spent many winters in Florida. Even into her older years, she continued to lead and organize with aplomb, planning events and activities within her communities. To this end, Ginny never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. She enjoyed watching and playing golf, and spent many hours playing cards with friends and teaching her granddaughters how to play poker.

Because of her ability to maintain multiple generations of family ties, she leaves behind so many people who loved her. Of special note would be the extended Buvinger family–namely, her sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Mary Jo Wolters, and Mary Jo’s children and grandchildren, who have continued to care for Ginny from near and far. Additionally, her stepson and daughter-in-law (Jim and Phyllis Richey), who did so much for her and who were always there to lend a hand with anything Ginny needed. This was particularly valued given that Ginny’s sons live out of state.

Her final thirteen years were spent at Walnut Creek Nursing Center, where she received exceptional care and loving attention from the staff. Ginny loved music, and was known to tap her hands and feet and sing along when Big Band music was played for the residents. Walnut Creek became her home and the staff became her family, many of whom visited her and stayed by her side during her final moments. Vitas Hospice was an integral part of her last two years, providing care and support to maximize her quality of life up through her last days.

Ginny was preceded in death by the father of her two sons (David C. Buvinger), her subsequent husbands (James H. Richey and William K. Hambrick), stepson (James Richey Jr.) and daughter-in-law (Phyllis Richey), grandchildren (Karen Richey and Mike Richey), and great-granddaughter (Norah Hambrick). Ginny is survived by her children, David D. (Christine) Buvinger and Bradley A. (Judith Wild) Buvinger, her step-grandchildren (Sharee Milrot and Jimmy Richey) and her grandchildren, Kate (David) Young, Gabrielle Buvinger-Wild, Liz Buvinger (Mark Quimby), as well as eight great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Vitas Hospice. (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E232399&id=1)

Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.co..