Virginia "Ginger" Laura Zibell, age 89, a longtime resident of Chewelah, WA passed away after an extended battle with cancer on November 22, 2023 in her Chewelah, WA home.  Ginger was born on September 18, 1934 in Eureka, MT to Granville Henion and Viola Inez (Dierman) Lyons.

Ginger's early years were spent in the communities of Rexburg and Eureka, MT where she began school.  At the age of 12, her family moved to Valley, WA and then later to Chewelah.  Ginger attended Jenkins High School and married Herbert "Herb" Zibell on Dec. 9, 1950.  They began a family and Ginger worked in the home to raise their seven children.  Much to the chagrin of her school-aged children, Ginger began working as the secretary for Jenkins High School in 1973, eventually moving to the Chewelah School District administration office. She retired from the school district after 26 years.  Ginger had a heart for her community. She served in many volunteer roles including the Chewelah J.C. Jills, the Chewelah Rural Ambulance Board, Stevens County EMT Board, and Chewelah School Board.  She was integral in founding the Chewelah Ambulance service, and volunteered as the first EMT in Stevens County, the first female EMT in Eastern Washington, as well as serving as an instructor of both First Aid and EMT courses until 2019. Ginger was active in her Christian faith with a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible and loved to share her knowledge and passion. She was especially fond of participating in the children's sermons and helping young people find their own faith.

Ginger was funny, smart, and creative and she loved to sew, knit, and crochet. Many people benefited from her creations. She used her creativity to learn how to make stained and fused glass. Many homes are blessed with her creations and will remember her for generations to come.  She became known as the "Angel Lady" for her favored glass angel creations. And an angel she was.

As a young parent, Ginger would load her children into her car for an annual expedition to see her favorite aunts and family in Eureka, MT. Herb and Ginger loved to camp with family and friends and spent many weekends on Lake Roosevelt. They also opened their home and hearts to over 20 foster children and as an International Exchange home for students visiting from abroad. Ginger Zibell was a pillar of her community and an outstanding example of humanity, humility, love, loyalty, and a zest for life. Her antics and her compassion will be equally remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Ginger was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Zibell in 2009; two daughters, Dorcas Zibell in 1965 and Darci Tuttle in 2008; and grandson, Jason Parrish in 1979.

She is survived by her children, Debby McCanna (Garry) of Chewelah, WA, Denice Davis (Calvin) of Chewelah, WA, Diana Parrish (Brad) of Electric City, WA, Dani Zibell-Wolfe (Alan) of Post Falls, ID, David Zibell (Tammy) of Deer Park, WA; brother, Tracie Lyons of Tacoma, WA; grandchildren, Joey McCanna (Lynette), Cody McCanna (Sarah), Rachael Edwards (Matt), Tim Davis (Jill), Casey Parrish (Dana), Joshua Parrish (Traci), Richard Parrish (Amanda), Nick Scott (Nicki), Brianna Scott, Ginny Burke (Robert), Dustin Tuttle, Carissa Moddison and Tyrone Zibell; great grandchildren, Kadee, Cole, Sierra, Cody, Shania, Garrett, Bailey, Sadie, Charlie, Margaret, Thunder, Oshun, Prairie, Harvest, Faith, True, Honor, Journey, Dakota, Isaiah, Bella, Zachary, Jacob, Emily, Gabriel, Wynston, Leyna, Xane and Xander; great-great grandchildren, Brody, Blakely, Keilani, Elle, Miller, Lennon, and River; and a host of extended friends and family.

The memorial service for Mrs. Ginger Zibell will begin at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Bustin' Loose Cowboy Ministries, 2221 Sand Canyon Rd., Chewelah, WA, 99109.  Pastor Blayne McCoy will officiate.  A time of food and fellowship will follow the service at the St. Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church in Chewelah.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Catholic Charities, Hospice of Spokane, Bustin' Loose Cowboy Ministries or Cancer Care Northwest Foundation.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory is entrusted in care, cremation and ceremony.