Virginia Sharol Hoyt

Virginia “Ginger” Sharol Hoyt passed into eternity with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on 19 December 2024. Ginger was 90 years old. Born an Indianapolis native on 19 February 1934 she spent most of her life in Indianapolis. Ginger is one of four daughters and one son born to Robert and Norah Vawter. She graduated from Shortridge High School in 1952 and married her lifelong love, Philip Andrew Hoyt, on November 9th of the same year. Aside from a brief time in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Phil and Ginger spent their nearly 50 years of married life in Indianapolis, IN. The couple brought 5 children into the world: two sons and three daughters, who gave them 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She and Phil loved spending time in their carefully tended gardens, whether relaxing by the flowing fountain, warming by a twilight fire, or pruning roses next to their beloved hinoki pines.

She and Phil were practical, faith first Christians immersed in Baptist Church membership, leadership and volunteer service. Ginger and Phil were certified lay ministers with American Baptist Churches and raised their family in gentle Christian lifestyle and principals. Ginger spent over 50 years as a church volunteer in such area as: youth leader, VBS help, food pantry and Sunday School teaching. She sponsored three refugee families from Africa, introducing them to American culture, Christian faith, and assisting them on the pathway to earning citizenship.

Ginger enjoyed being surrounded by friends and a social environment. Her outgoing nature and welcoming personality brought her love and respect from colleagues, church fellowships, school PTO and neighborhood chums alike. During child raising years, she worked part time as a bookkeeper, followed by a position as an accountant at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields). She worked at the IMA for 23 years, retiring as the Director of Special Events in 1995. She is remembered for her countless elegant and well-orchestrated events at the museum and across its expansive terraces and grounds, as well as her service to the IMA Alliance, a women’s organization which provided fundraising and educational activities for every aspect of the museum’s mission. She was privileged to become the President of the Alliance in its historical 50th year of service. Ginger also served on the Methodist Hospital Task Core, a philanthropic organization with IU Health Methodist Hospital and community organizations.

Ginger spent her last 6 years as a resident of Hoosier Village in Zionsville, Indiana and endeared herself to residents and staff there as well. She is preceded in death by her infant son Timothy, her husband Philip, daughter Cindy, grandson “J.P”, as well as a brother Skipper and a sister, Linda. She is survived by her son Mike, two daughters Kathy and Janas, and their children and grandchildren. Next to her faith, her delight was in her grandchildren and the joy of family union. Ginger Hoyt was buried beside her beloved husband in Crown Hill cemetery on the 23rd of December, 2024. A Celebration of Life and memorial service will be hosted by the family on Saturday, December 28th from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Riviera Club, 5640 N. Illinois Street, in Indianapolis