Ginny Shrader was reared in Pennsylvania, and it was her first job that changed her life and introduced her to unimagined skills and activities.

Virginia was born in Germantown into a family with, coincidentally, German heritage. She describes an idyllic childhood growing up in nearby Glenside as part of a large extended family. Ginny remembers friendly neighbors, riding bikes, playing on a tree swing, fishing with her dad, loving school, playing basketball in high school, singing in the choir and a Presbyterian minister who was exceptionally kind.

Ginny’s father was a talented automobile mechanic and her mother was a Spencer Corsetier. You may wonder what is a Spencer Corsetier? Spencer corsets were elaborate custom-made “girdles” made between 1920 and 1980, and Ginny’s mother took custom measures and fit the corsets to the customer. Ginny often accompanied her mother for the fittings.

Ginny credits her dad with helping her get into Temple University. Initially, she was not accepted to the school. When her father found out, he marched over to the Admissions Office and insisted that they take another look at Ginny’s excellent grades and activities. Temple University not only accepted Ginny, but it offered her a scholarship.

Ginny’s first job after graduation was as an administrative assistant at RCA to a man named Merrald Shrader. After working for Merrald for two years, Ginny married him – a union that would last 49 years. Their children used to quip: “Mommy used to work for Daddy, but now Daddy works for Mommy!”

Merrald loved planes and early on earned his private pilot’s license. The flight to their honeymoon destination, Washington, D.C., was the first time Ginny had ridden in a small, private plane, but it certainly was not the last.

Merrald took a job in Denver and later in Buena Vista. Ginny and Merrald lived in Buena Vista for 20 years, built a wonderful house and loved the community. Ginny feels their two children, Barbara and Robert, thrived there with the positive influence of great friends. Barbara and her family now live in Longmont and Robert, in Reno, Nev.

While in Buena Vista, Ginny earned her private pilot’s License which even now amazes her! Merrald taught her the basics of flying, but Ginny also took a formal course. When she went on her first solo cross-country flight, she found it reassuring that Merrald was flying right behind her. 

Over time, Ginny has enjoyed playing the piano and organ, singing in choirs, walking, swimming, attending lectures and musical performances. Ginny has been able to enjoy her two grandchildren.

About 10 years ago, Ginny and Merrald began thinking about moving closer to their daughter. The couple chose to move to the Wind Crest development, where they developed an engaging circle of friends and enjoyed frequent visits with their daughter and her family. Robert and his family visit regularly as well.

It was at Wind Crest that the Shraders met Phil Kepner, a Montview member, and he invited them to visit Montview. Impressed by friendliness of the congregation, the great sermons and the wonderful choir, they joined and Ginny became a member of the choir. Sadly, Merrald passed away in 2018 but Ginny feels fortunate to have moved to Wind Crest when they did because she feels comfortable and well supported.

Ginny credits her longevity to “one of God’s many blessings.” She feels that her faith, which was molded by her family, has helped her over her lifetime “to look to God for strength and guidance.”

– Submitted by Brooke Durland