Virginia "Ginny" Bortner

     Virginia "Ginny" Bortner was surrounded by her family when she passed away at the homeplace north of McCook on Friday morning, January 2, 2026, after suffering from Alzheimer’s for ten years. She was 70 years of age.

     Ginny was born on April 9, 1955, in McCook, Nebraska, to John and Mary (Kohmetscher) Walz. Ginny was raised in southwest Nebraska, where she attended Bartley Schools for grades K–8 and Republican Valley Schools for grades 9–12. She later continued her education at McCook Community College for one year.

     On October 4, 1974, Ginny married her high school sweetheart, Ben Bortner, beginning a beautiful life together grounded in love, faith, and hard work. From the earliest days of their marriage until Ginny’s passing, they made their home on Ben’s family farm—a place that became the heart of their family life and a source of countless cherished memories. The farm was filled with laughter, shared meals, and the quiet joys of everyday life lived side by side. During the past two years, Ben lovingly served as Ginny’s devoted caretaker, tending to her every need with unwavering strength, tenderness, and selfless love, a true testament to the depth of their lifelong bond.

     Ginny devoted many years to being a wife and stay-at-home mom, lovingly raising their three children, Jill, Wayne, and Blaine. She ensured they were involved in every activity and opportunity they desired. She was their biggest supporter, never missing a game, event, or milestone. She also enjoyed helping Ben on the farm, often riding along to feed cows and tag calves—work she did with dedication and pride.

     In 1999, Ginny began working at Little Folks Childcare at Hillcrest, where she worked for 18 years. She had a true gift with children and a heart perfectly suited for nurturing them. Ginny loved each child she cared for and took the time to know not only the kids, but their families as well. Even as her illness progressed, she continued to remember the children and families who had meant so much to her.

     Ginny was a faithful member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianola, where she served as a CCD teacher and was a member of St. Catherine’s Altar Society. One of her most meaningful joys was sponsoring and lovingly guiding her husband, Ben, when he joined the Catholic Church in 2014—a moment that filled her heart with deep pride and gratitude. Her faith not only sustained her but also shaped the beautiful way she loved and cared for others.

     Ginny found great joy in gardening, horseback riding, and especially in supporting her children and grandchildren in their 4-H projects. Family gatherings were her favorite, and she cherished every moment spent together. Ginny attended her grandchildren’s games, events, and activities until she was unable, always cheering them on with pride. She loved playing card games and board games with her family, and time with Grandma always meant laughter and friendly (and not-so-friendly) competition.

     When her grandchildren were young, Ginny made holidays magical by creating scavenger hunts and preparing their favorite treats. She never turned down an opportunity to babysit and treasured every moment she spent with them. Her love for her grandchildren was deep, joyful, and unconditional.

     Ginny will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a faithful friend, and a woman whose kindness, patience, and selflessness touched everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured, the family she cherished, and the love she gave so freely.

     Ginny is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Walz; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gene and Gernadine Bortner; her grandchild, Alex Koenig; her sister-in-law, Paula Walz; brother-in-law, Edward Richard; nephew, Brian Walz; niece, Lisa Butterfield; and great-nephew, Erik Werkmeister.

     Ginny is survived by her husband of 51 years, Ben Bortner; her children, Jill (Carl) Koenig, Wayne (Lisa) Bortner, and Blaine Bortner, all of McCook; her grandchildren, Kyler (Shayne) Bortner, Riley Bortner (fiancé Nolan Burrell), Zoey Bortner, Becca, Addison, Lance, and Katelyn Koenig, and her first great-grandson to be born in January; her brother, Bernard Walz and sisters, Cecilia Walz and Millie (Mike) Cuellar of Indianola, NE; her sister, Alice (Dude) Tines of Grant, NE; her sister, Agnes Richard of Bartley, NE; her brothers-in-law, Bill (Carrol) Bortner and Bob (Barb) Bortner of McCook; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and very special friend Ruth (Larry) Blank.

     Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Ginny's family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. A Rosary will be recited, following the visitation, beginning at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

     Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 AM on Thursday morning, January 8, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in McCook with Father Bernard Kimminau celebrating. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook will follow services.

     Memorials are suggested to the family of Virginia Bortner for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.