Virginia (Ginny) Thompson Howell

Virginia (Ginny) Thompson Howell passed away at Henry Community Health in New Castle, Indiana on April 8, 2023 after a brief illness. Virginia was born on August 28, 1925 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Willard and Lillian Bichmiller. She graduated from Greenhills High School in Greenhills, Ohio, in 1943.

In 1947 Virginia and her first husband Jack moved to Richmond, Indiana, and later to Liberty, Indiana where they resided from 1950 to 1968. In 1968 they relocated to New Castle where Virginia spent the next 55 years. There she married Victor Howell in 1982. Victor preceded her in death in 2005.

Virginia raised four children, worked for various retail organizations, including Sears and J.C. Penney in New Castle, for over 35 years, was the first woman elected to the Liberty Town Council twice, and was active in her churches. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved socializing with her friends and was well known for her tremendously sharp wit.

Virginia is survived by her daughters; Kathie Matney (Richard) of Connersville, Indiana and Vanessa Hardin (Marc) of Greens Fork, Indiana and sons; Jack Thompson (Konnie) of Denver, Colorado and Paul Thompson of Indianapolis, Indiana. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. At her 97th birthday party that was attended by almost all members of her family, she looked out at the large number in the room and said, “This is all my fault.”

Visitation for Virginia will be held at Hinsey-Brown Service, 3406 S. Memorial Drive in New Castle, Indiana on April 17. Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m. followed by a service in her honor at the same location.

The family expresses its appreciation to the compassionate staff at Addison Place who took such great care of Virginia.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers should be made to the Henry County Humane Society, 11 Midway Drive in New Castle, Indiana or the Union County Schools Fund, 404 Eaton Street in Liberty, Indiana.