Obituary of Virginia Nelda Failing

Virginia Nelda (Sanders) Failing

May 26,1944 – May 20, 2025

 We weren’t ready to say goodbye to our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend just before what was to be her 81st birthday.  Virginia (Ginny) passed away on May 20, 2025, after a brief illness in the hospital with her loving family by her side.

Ginny was born in Bay City, MI, two weeks after her father left for the Army. Ginny’s father, Harold Sanders, saw her only once when she was 4 months old. He was killed in action in France during WW2 two months later. Her mother, Nelda H. Munsch Sanders later remarried Russell Batzer and then Ginny had siblings to grow up with on their centennial farm in Portsmouth Township.  Ginny graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1962. Ginny met her husband, Jon Failing in Virginia during Jon’s service in the Marines.  It was there that their son Richard was born. The couple returned to Bay City and welcomed their second son, Shaun. Jon passed away in a car accident three years after Shaun’s birth.

Ginny was a hardworking, devoted mother who raised her two sons on her own and never remarried. She worked over 25 years as a bank teller at People’s National Bank, later babysitting and housekeeping until her retirement at 66. She was known for her work ethic and sweet, soft nature.

Ginny was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, serving in many roles, including Treasurer of the United Methodist Women. Aside from the Church community, she was fortunate to have maintained friendships with high school friends through monthly luncheons.

Ginny’s hobbies included cross-stitching, gardening, and crafting cards to send to friends and relatives.

She had a special fondness for collecting both Elvis memorabilia and miniature churches.  Although she was an avid Detroit Tiger’s fan, her greatest joy was attending her children’s and later grandchildren’s sporting events, which brought her much joy. She was very proud of her 5 grandchildren. She liked discussing what her grandkids were involved in and their latest accomplishments.

Left to preserve her memory are her two sons, Richard (Chrisann) Failing and Shaun Failing; grandchildren, Alexandra, Brady, Luke, Ryan and Arianna Failing; her sister and brothers, Carol (Jerry) Niederquell, Fred Batzer, Dave (Rhonda) Batzer, and Ron Batzer (friend Lisa); as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Ginny was preceded in death by her parents, Nelda and step-father Russell Batzer; father, Harold Sanders; her husband, Jon Failing; and her nephew, Ben Batzer; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 206 Scheurmann St, Essexville with Pastor Seok Nam Lim presiding. Visitation with the family will take place prior to the service at the church from 3:00 pm-5:00pm. A private Interment will be at Floral Gardens Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the United Methodist Woman or the wishes of the family.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.