Virginia ‘Ginnie’ Roderick-Lawson
August 21, 1940 - June 1, 2024

With the most profound sadness, we announce the passing of our dear sweet Virginia ‘Ginnie’ Roderick Lawson, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was the epitome of sunshine and would light up the room with her smile. How fortunate we were to be on the receiving end of all that sunshine!

Ginnie was born on August 21, 1940, to Arthur and Rebecca Brown, in Tacoma Washington. The family eventually relocated to Humboldt County and lived in the Kneeland area with her eight siblings and where her father was logging while she attended local schools. She was a very proud ‘Earl’ girl and if you know, you know! Ginnie eventually met Al Roderick thanks to her brother Ted, and they were married on May 25, 1960. They had four children Linda, Steve, Tracy, and Angie and remained married for 25 years. Life can be complicated at times, and eventually Al and Ginnie parted ways. She then met Mercer Lawson and they were married in 1980, blending their families together with his children Duke, Marcie and Debbie. Later in life, she chose to go it alone, but remained very close to her first husband Al, building a lifelong friendship and spending quality time with their children and grandchildren until Al’s passing in April of 2021.

Ginnie spent most of her working life as a Certified Nursing Assistant providing home health care for many local families, and she forged long-standing relationships with those she cared for. Ginnie found great purpose being a care provider in this community. She was also very proud member of the Cowlitz Tribe of Longview Washington. From the early 80’s she spent her time actively supporting the efforts to seek Federal Recognition of the tribe which was finally realized on February 14, 2000. She was so proud of this recognition and that her heritage would be a benefit to her children and grandchildren and provide support, security and a lasting legacy.

If there ever was a true fan of baseball it would be Ginnie! She spent many weeknights and weekends sitting in the bleachers watching her grandchildren play baseball. From Little League to High School, she would not miss a game and would root the team on as well as players on opposing teams that she had watched grow up alongside her grandchildren. She soaked up every minute of any ball game as it was her true happy place! She was also an avid Giants fan to the point that she kept copious notes throughout the season. She and her grandson Lane would spend countless hours discussing the players stats and analyzing the newly drafted players and the potential for a successful Giants season. This was such a highlight of her day and one that forged a very special relationship between her and Lane. Ginnie loved all of her grandchildren dearly and had unique and special relationships with each one of them. She cherished her time with all of them and especially when everyone would come together for a family gathering and fill the room. Her heart was the fullest during these times and her grandchildren will miss their “special talks” and time with her, and they will carry those words of wisdom with them throughout their lives.

Ginnie leaves behind her children Linda Paine (Vern), Tracy Roderick (D’Ann), and Angie Stapp (Wiley), her eight grandchildren: Kelli Carr (Justin), Andrew Paine, Bryan Paine (Marissa Smith), Carly Roderick Wiley (Courtney), Jessica Roderick, Lindsey Roderick, Lane Stapp (Rachel), Ryder Stapp (Candace), Hunter Stapp (Quinn); and her nine great-grandchildren: Kennedy, Hudson, Maggie, Ellis, Olin, Aiden, Keala, Sophia & Blake. She is also survived by a very special sister-in-law Verdalyn Brown and her sister Mary Brown and brother Leroy Brown and nieces Jackie Moore Johnson, Teresa Ann Moore Thompson, Teddi Brown Torres and nephews. Vernon Brown (Liz), Darrell “Rags” Evenson and Buddy Brown. She also leaves special friends Bud and Shirley Misenbach and their family, and Peggy Baker. She was preceded in death by her son Steven Roderick, parents Arthur and Rebeccca Brown, sisters Billy Brown, Jackie Brown, Ruthie Moore, brothers Ted Brown and baby brother Art ‘Butch’ Brown. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday June 15, 2024, at 10 a.m., Sunset Memorial Park, followed by a reception at the Stapp Residence 1755 Sunset Drive, Eureka, CA, 95503.