Virginia Dee Besel Obituary (2024)

The family of Virginia "Ginger" Besel of Ellensburg are saddened to announce her passing on Sunday, December the 15th surrounded by family. Ginger was born on August 23, 1934, in Nebraska to parents Theodore Howard Alexander and Gladys Feather Alexander. Family moved west along with father's job in the railroad industry ending up in Billings, Montana where Ginger graduated from High School in 1952. Soon after graduation, Ginger married and started her family. She was a homemaker and eventually a paraprofessional in the Wapato School District, retiring in 1994. Ginger was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, co-worker, neighbor, and friend to many. She filled her life and those close to her with laughter. She loved immensely, unconditionally, and whole heartedly. She had an unmatched sense of humor that resonated throughout her life, leaving amusement in her stories, drawings, and writings to her family and many others. Words describing Ginger are "larger than life", "a force", "giant personality", "a treasure", "infectious upbeat personality", the coolest mom on the block", and an amazing woman. She was loved by many, will be missed by many. Ginger is survived by one brother, Theodore G. Alexander, of Conway Arkansas. She is also survived by daughter Lori Skov of Ellensburg, son Rob Daviston of Selah, son Scott Daviston of Kittitas, and daughter Julie Besel Patel (Jason) of Moxee. Other surviving family members include 7 grandchildren: Joey Daviston (Audra), Nick Daviston, Kayse Bruno (Greg), Ian Skov, Cheyanna Fugo (Eddie), Justin Daviston, and Sora Patel, and two great grandchildren Kai Styler and Brenna Styler. Ginger is preceded in death by one daughter, Luanne Wike, one son, Richard "Rich" Wike, and one grandson, Zack Daviston. A celebration of Ginger's life will be held in early 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the National AIDS Memorial in memory of Virginia "Ginger" Besel. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the Kittitas Valley Hospice for their compassionate care provided for our mom during her time of need and Jean Kirkham for her loving care in the final months in Ginger's home.