NORWICH – Bethany L. Ginther, 87, of Norwich, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Grand Ledge, Michigan on May 6, 1921, Bethany was the daughter of A. C. and Elizabeth (Weseler) Benjamin. She attended both Albion College in Michigan and Western Michigan College. In 1941, in Grand Ledge, she married Gordon B. Ginther, who survives. Bethany and Gordon made their home in Kalamazoo where he was employed by Upjohn Pharmaceuticals and then General Electric in both Pittsfield, Massachusetts and Schenectady. They then moved to Norwich until retirement, living on King Settlement Road enjoying their vegetable and flower gardens.
Bethany was an active member of the United Church of Christ First Congregational where she held many positions.  She was very active in the women’s prayer group of the church.  Bethany was a garden club member and a 4-H Club leader. She volunteered at the Care Center and was active in the AARP program of tax counseling for the elderly. Bethany was employed as a librarian at the NYS Supreme Court Law Library in Norwich for many years. She loved gardening, reading, genealogy and traveling in her spare time.
Surviving in addition to her husband, Gordon, of Norwich are her children and their spouses, Donna and Norris Gridley of Ronks, Pennsylvania, Bryce and Meg Ginther, of West Sand Lake, New York and Paul and Diane Ginther, of Shawnee, Kansas and six grandchildren, Darren, Jennifer, Amy, Andrew, Kevin and Brian.  Bethany was predeceased by a grandson, Todd and a brother, Donovan Benjamin.
Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in memory of Bethany may be made to Women’s Prayer Group of the UCC Church, 11 West Main St., Norwich, NY  13815.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at:  http://wilsonfh.com.