Virginia “Ginny” Lee (Stephens) Whalen Madding, 88, of Vincennes, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, after a long and beautiful life.
Born on December 29, 1937, to Floyd and Ruby (Harmon) Stephens, Ginny lived a life centered around faith, family, and simple joys. She was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, class of 1955, and was known for her warm spirit and the love she shared so freely with those around her.
Ginny was first united in marriage to, Wayne R. Whalen Sr., on September 30, 1956. Together they built a life full of love and family until his passing after many devoted years together. Later in life, she found love again and married Richard E. Madding on December 28, 1990, with whom she shared many happy years full of love.
She is survived by her children: Tracy D. Whalen (Bruce K. Ekstrom) of Babson Park, Florida; Penny Rehwald (Steve) of Vincennes, Indiana; and her beloved stepchildren, Rex Madding (Ramona) of Pelham, GA and Todd Allen Madding (Allison) of Thomasville, GA. She was preceded in death by her son, Wayne R. Whalen Jr.
Ginny was a proud and loving grandmother to Whitney Whalen, Rilan Robinson (Diana), Jessie Millam, Kinsie Whalen, Chelsea Thomas (Jared), Ryan Rehwald and Lindsey Hinners (Taylor), and a cherished great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her grandchildren, Wayne R. Whalen III and Brady D. Whalen.
She is survived by her siblings Norman Stephens of Kokomo, IN; Mary Alice Miller (Terry) of Effingham, IL; and Kathryn Coomer of Darmstadt, IN. She was preceded in death by her siblings Claude Stephens, Henry Stephens, Russell Stephens, and Paul Stephens.
For over 20 years, Ginny dedicated her time and talents as a secretary and librarian with the South Knox School Corporation. She also played an important role in helping with the family farm, embodying a strong work ethic and deep commitment to her family.
In her later years, Ginny embraced adventure, spending time traveling across the country visiting family and exploring new places. She found joy in the little things along the way—especially a good shopping trip, where she never passed up a new purse or a beautiful pair of shoes.
A devoted woman of faith, Ginny was a member of Decker Chapel United Methodist Church, where her faith guided her life and relationships. She was also a founding contributor to the Grief Support Program at Good Samaritan Hospital, spending time making outfits for the program.
Ginny will be remembered as a special lady who loved baking or enjoying a sweet treat, a day of shopping, and—most of all—time spent with her family. Her legacy of love, faith, and joyful spirit will live on in all who knew her.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
The funeral service will be held on May 7, 2026, at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home in Vincennes, Indiana, at 1:00 PM, visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The funeral will be followed by a graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Decker Chapel United Methodist Church. Online memories may be shared with Ginny’s family at www.goodwinsieversfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Ginny and her family.
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