Virginia Anne "Ginger" Kyler, 90, formerly of rural Columbia City, passed away at 9:05 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Lutheran Life Villages, Fort Wayne where she had been a resident for the past eight years.

Born on October 5, 1935, in Tiffin, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Mildred (Dale) Baxa.  Growing up in Tiffin, she graduated from Tiffin Columbian High School in 1953.  Continuing her education, she completed the Toledo School of Nursing becoming a Registered Nurse in 1956.

On February 18, 1956, she married Dewitt Harold "Dewey" Kyler.  They made their home in Washington Twp., raising three children.  In 1986 they built a new home and moved to Thorncreek Township. Dewey died on March 24, 2018.

After passing her State Board exams in the fall of 1956, she began her nursing career at the Whitley County Memorial Hospital.  She worked in the Obstetrics Department.  In 1966, she transferred to the Surgery Department.  In 1975, she was promoted to head of the Surgery Department. She retired in 1999, with 43 years of service.

A devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church, she served as a Sunday School teacher, was a member of the Altar Guild, and the Fellowship Circle.  At home she enjoyed playing the organ, sewing and baking.

She is survived by her children, Gail (Roger) Morford of Larwill, Gary (Lorraine) Kyler and Kent (Vallory) Opliger both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Lisa Blaugh, Lauren (Drew) Bianski, Sarah (Brandon) Kinsey, Michelle (Zach) Beard, Amanda (Jeff) Thompson, Stephanie (Matt) Stocker, and Rebecca Morford; 16 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Larry (Julie) Baxa.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Baxa.

The funeral service is 3 p.m. Saturday (Feb 28th) at St John Lutheran Church, 2465 W Keiser Rd, Columbia City, IN with visitation one hour prior. Burial is at the St Peters Cemetery.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Ginger's honor are to St John Lutheran Bell Fund or St Peters Cemetery or Riley Children's Hospital.