Virginia Derhammer

Virginia Derhammer, 88, of Girard, passed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

She was born on October 2, 1937 in Nova, Ohio, the daughter of the late Bruce and Gertrude Mitchell.

Virginia graduated from East High School in 1956 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Akron in 1970. Her passion for learning seamlessly translated into a distinguished thirty-year career as a Physical Education teacher in the Revere Local Schools. Virginia’s innovative approach and contagious enthusiasm meant she was often found leg wrestling with students, grandchildren, and any willing opponent, forging unforgettable bonds along the way.

Beyond her professional achievements, Virginia’s zest for life was evident in her many interests. She loved to dance, whether or not there was music in the air, and embraced activities such as yard sale hunting, collecting unique treasures, crafting, building puzzles, and reading. Her creativity and energy were boundless. She took tremendous pride in being surrounded by love from her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, students, and even strangers she met throughout her life.

Her compassion extended deeply into her community. Virginia was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Girard, where she took part in Hannah Circle and Via DeCristo. Her service reached beyond her congregation; she regularly participated in annual reunions, volunteered with the Mahoning County Rescue Mission—often helping cook for those in need—and spent time each year living in her homemade box in Akron to promote homeless awareness. Ever resourceful, she would collect discarded plastic table covers and grocery sacks to crochet mats for those experiencing homelessness, embodying the spirit of giving.

Virginia’s enthusiasm for life also found expression through her club and organizational memberships: she was a proud member of the JR Olympics, the Mother of Twins Club, the Genealogy Society of Ohio, Daughters of the Revolution, and the First Families of Ohio. She offered her talents as a coach in gymnastics, volleyball, and softball, and served as a student council advisor, continually supporting and uplifting young people.

Her friends and loved ones remember her as remarkably kind, easy to get along with, happy, healthy, and—with gentle humor—pleasantly confused at times. To all who knew her, Virginia was a beacon of positivity whose proudest achievement was the love she gave and received in return.

Virginia leaves to cherish her memory her children, Dawna Kornick, Rhonda Gallagher, Jennifer Derhammer, Geri (Chuck) Burt , stepson Gary Logue; grandchildren, Kurt (Crystal), Michael (Alicia) Kornick, Heather (Robert) Latham, Jon (Loretta), Jeremy (Sheri), Tim Tomasik, Andrea Anderson, Sean Pinero, Shelly, Jason, Sarah, Rachel, Greg Jr. and Ben Logue, Rebekah (Greg) Morris, Monica (Glen) Schroder, Courtney, Tony, Erika, Paul (Sarah) Weigand, Tony Deeter, Mandi (Jon), Dani (Daniel) McDonald, Brandi (Matt) Antalvari, Becky (Brian) McGinty and Beth Joseph ; great grandchildren, Logan, Webster, Kelsey, Bennett, Grant, Kylie, Lillyana, Timothy, Brayden, Gabriella, Aleia, Elijah, Kashton, B.J (Lis), Kayla, Lily, Ian, Sophia, Madeline, Kristen, Amya, Peyton, Mason, Chance, Parker, Bryson, Caden, Abigail, Emily, Kate, Mollie, Josh, Maddie, Zach, Eve, Phoenix, Paizleigh and Phox; great great grandchildren, Enia, Guinevere, Aurora, Bodie, Grayson, Carter, Hannah, Miles, Hunter, Sophia, Sarah and James and many dear friends.

Along with her parents Virginia is preceded in death by, her son Greg Logue, and siblings, Patsy Golay, Barbara Smith, Linda Workman, Dallas, Jim, Tiny, Phil, Larry and Ronnie Mitchell.

Family, friends, former students, and all whose lives Virginia touched are invited to celebrate her life at the visitation, which will be held on Sunday, July 19th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard. A funeral service will follow at 3:30 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Girard.

Virginia will be laid to rest at Green Lawn Cemetery in Akron.