Mary 'Ginger' V. (Leland) Orr

     Mary V. “Ginger” Orr, of Covington, IN, passed this world on November 19, 2021, at the age of 93. Ginger was born in New Hampshire and was the youngest of four daughters of the late Willie E. and Ethel Leland. Ginger was a “preemie,” being the first baby delivered in the new neonatal unit at the local hospital. She weighed only 3.5 pounds and went home in a shoebox! 
     Ginger’s greatest joy was being the mother of eight, a grandmother, and great- grandmother. Left to cherish her memory are six of her eight children: Bonnie (Robert) Wright, Randall (Nancy) Orr, Diane Hughes, Joanne Orr, Susan (Joseph) Henderson, and Karen (Larry Fisher) Orr. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and two sisters-in-law. Her presence in their lives will be dearly missed. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Roy Rex Orr, two sons, Jeffrey Orr and Leonard Orr III, and three sisters.
     Ginger attended a one-room school from first grade through 8th grade. She graduated from New Boston High School, New Boston, NH, in a graduating class of 10. A job opportunity for Rex brought the family from New Hampshire to Covington in 1961.  
     Many readers will recall Ginger as a long-time banker, starting her career as a teller in 1965 at the old Covington Building and Loan. She was promoted to its Managing Officer in 1967. Thereafter, she served as Vice President, Branch Manager and Loan Officer through multiple mergers of regional financial institutions, not retiring until she was well into her 70’s. She loved meeting people and helping customers buy a home. Ginger also owned and operated a women’s clothing store in Covington, The Clothes Closet, during the 1970’s. 
     Ginger believed in being a good citizen and contributing to the betterment of society. She served on the Covington City Park Board, Shawnee Learning Center Board, Fountain County Economic Development Corp., and the Fountain-Warren Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Orr was a noted clubs-woman. She was a member of the Coffeenians, Mu Epsilon Lambda and Psi Iota Xi sororities, Covington Women’s Club, Fountain County Art Council, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Colonial Dames. She was a 50-year member of the Covington United Methodist Church. She was especially proud to be selected as the Grand Marshall of the Covington 4th of July parade in 2005, in recognition of her contributions to the life of the city. Her hobbies included the New England tradition of hooking rugs with wool strips, going to the “boats” and playing Mexican Train dominos on her annual “MAS” (Mother and Sisters) outings with her five daughters.        
     The family extends its appreciation for the kind care and attention shown by Dr. Tahir Hafeez and his office over many years. The family also thanks the nurses, aides, and administration at the Fountain Springs Adult Community for the compassion and care they provided during her stay and her passing.    
     Memorials requested to the “LO Memorial,” a 501 (c)(3) charitable fund-raising golf scramble honoring Dr. Leonard R. Orr, that awards scholarships to Covington High School graduates and assists with school lunch tabs at local schools. Its mailing address is: Sarah Burnett, 1187 Arthur Road, Paragon, IN 46166.  Or, contributions may be made to the Covington Community Foundation, (attn:  Dr. Leonard & Marsha Orr Fund* or another charitable purpose of the Foundation), P.O. Box 175, Covington, IN, website: wicf-inc.org. Please make memorial gifts payable to “Covington Community Foundation” and indicate “In memory of Ginger Orr” on your gift.  *Dr. Leonard & Marsha Orr Fund--Provides support for children and youth activities primarily in the Covington City Park and the Covington Community School Corporation. 
    Final arrangements are being handled by Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Covington, Indiana 420 3rd St. Covington, Indiana 47932. There will be no visitation at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Covington United Methodist Church, 419 Washington St, Covington, IN at 11:00am (est), Saturday, December 11, 2021. Burial will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Covington, IN.  Please join her family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

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