Virginia (Ginger) Vineyard, age 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 8, 2021 from complications of NAFLD. She was born December 27, 1948 in McAllen, Texas to the late Cleo and Bernadine Vineyard. She was a graduate of Donna High School and Pan American University. After graduation she began her teaching career at Rio Hondo High School where she taught science for 39 years. Ginger was a positive influence on students and fellow co-workers, many who remained life-long friends. Highlights were annual trips to Big Bend National Park during Spring Break as well as other nature related field trips. After retiring, Ginger became active in Texas Master Naturalist and served as president for 2 years. She was instrumental in starting the upper valley TMN chapter to better serve area residents. During her tenure she volunteered over 4000 hours obtaining her presidential service award. Volunteer activities included the Rio Grande Valley birding festival, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Hugh Ramsey Nature Park and Sabal Palm Sanctuary. Virginia was also the membership director of the Arroyo Colorado Audubon Society and traveled to birding festivals all over the United States. Ginger was a lover of the night sky, never missing an opportunity to see the Perseids, comets or attending star parties at McDonald Observatory. In addition to being a lover of nature, she also loved the arts, especially opera, having season tickets to the Houston Grand Opera for 4 decades. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society promoting women educators. Virginia is survived by her beloved son, Neil; sisters Linda Thomas, Elizabeth (Don) Whitson, Susan (Mark) Fisher; brother Steve (Jessie) Vineyard. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice for the exceptional care they provided during her final hours. Visitation will be held on April 17, 2021 at 1:00 pm with a memorial service to follow thereafter at 2:00 pm at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331. All individuals are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and must wear face covers or masks. You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Virginia "Ginger" Florence Vineyard at www.thomaegarza.com. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Virginia’s name to a charity of your choice.