Virginia (Fowler) Boyes

Virginia “Ginny” Boyes of Interlaken passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022 at the age of 98.

Ginny was born in Gillett, Pennsylvania on January 24, 1924, a daughter of the late Gerry and Catherine (Updike) Fowler. The family moved to Interlaken when Ginny was a young child.  She walked to the one room schoolhouse on Munson Road before starting 8th grade in the new school building in Interlaken. Following graduation from high school, Ginny was a true “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II, building B-17 Bombers in Long Beach California. After moving back to the area, she began her career as a telephone operator in Ithaca before becoming “Operator 8” in Interlaken. Years later she took a job as an operator at Willard Psychiatric Center and would retire from her position there.

She was an active member for the Interlaken community through the Interlaken Historical Society, Interlaken Reformed Church, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, the Red Hat Society, and the Interlaken Garden Club.

Ginny’s love for her family was unconditional. Visits from her grandchildren were her favorite, always having her cookie jar full for them. She remained close with each of them by sending them cards for birthdays, and Holidays.  Ginny would always let them know how the weather was outside her window. Her leisure time was spent knitting, gardening, enjoying a round of golf, playing cards, and cheering on her grandchildren in all their sporting events.  She also enjoyed rooting for Ithaca College football where her son Jerry played and later Buffalo State Football where he coached.

Ginny is survived by two sons, Thomas (Inez Vermaas) Boyes Jr. and Jerry (Susan) Boyes; two daughters: Phyllis (Bill) Georgen and Debby (Dave) Koehler; seven grandchildren, Kevin (Bridgette Bangs), Eric (Michelle) and Maxwell (Aimee) Koehler, Kaitlyn (Jack) Mrozinski, Kristopher and Zachary Boyes, and Michael (Natalie) Georgen; three step grandchildren, Bill (Stacy) Georgen, III, Judy (Stacy) Flynn, and Lynn Marshall; three great-grandchildren, Jack III and Cooper Mrozinski, and Kash Koehler; seven step great-grandchildren, Joey and Deanna Georgen, Vincent, Tyler and John Flynn; Cassandra and Jerod Halterman; one step great, great-granddaughter, Raelynn Halterman; sister in-law Shirley Boyes; brother in-law Charles Willis; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Ginny was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Boyes Sr.; brother, Manley Fowler; and two sisters, Helen Robinson and Lorraine Willis.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Eisman, Julia Smith, and the entire staff of Unit 3 at Seneca View Nursing Home.  The kindness, compassion, and wonderful care given to Ginny was a blessing to the family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Interlaken Reformed Church.

In lieu of the flowers, the family asks those who would like to make a contribution in Ginny’s memory to kindly consider the Interlaken Reformed Church, PO Box 335, Interlaken, NY 14847 or the Interlaken Fire Department, PO Box 274, Interlaken, NY 14847 or the Interlaken Green Thumb Garden Club, 3854 County Road 141, Interlaken, NY 14847.