Virginia "Ginger" Barton
Virginia “Ginger” Barton, 89, of Salem, VA, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Born on February 6, 1937 in Pulaski, VA to Carl Drayton Bird Sr. and Mary Tickle Bird, Ginger grew up in Christiansburg, VA, alongside her two siblings, Carl D. Bird Jr. of Petersburg, VA, and Margaret “Peggy” Chafin of Christiansburg, VA.
Family was an important part of Ginger’s life from the very beginning. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of spending time with relatives in Bland County, VA, a place that remained special to her throughout her life.
Over the years, Ginger held several jobs, but the one she remembered most fondly was her time at General Electric in Salem, VA. It was there that she met Eugene “Gene” Barton, who would become her husband and partner in life for 61 years.
Anyone who knew Ginger knew that she never met a stranger. Outgoing, upbeat, and always willing to strike up a conversation. She had a way of making connections wherever she went. Ginger was a longtime member of CommUnity Church in Salem, VA and loved attending church whenever she was able. During the final two years of her life, she also made some wonderful friendships at Our Lady of the Valley Assisted Living, Roanoke, VA, where she became part of another special community.
Of course, Ginger's family will tell you there was another side to that friendly personality. She had a stubborn streak, and once she got an idea in her head, there was a pretty good chance she was going to do it. And if Ginger didn't like something, you usually didn't have to wonder—she would let you know! That strong personality was matched by a deeply caring heart, something her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends experienced throughout her life.
Family reunions were among her favorite occasions, especially when they took place in Bland County, VA. Church was another important part of her life, and when there wasn't somewhere in particular to be, a car ride was always a good option. Ginger and Gene loved simply getting in the car and riding around together. On one memorable occasion, they drove all the way to Virginia Beach just to eat at a restaurant—and came home the same day.
Holidays were especially meaningful because they brought the family together. Playing cards became part of those gatherings and created many memories over the years. Ginger also made a point of being there for her children and grandchildren. Sporting events, activities, and other important moments found her in the stands or nearby, supporting the people she loved.
Above everything else, Ginger wanted her family to understand the importance of faith, going to church, and having a relationship with Jesus Christ. That faith was a cornerstone of her life and one of the most important legacies she leaves behind.
Ginger had a presence people remembered. In her final days, many asked about her, noticed when she wasn't there, and shared how much they missed seeing her. It was a reflection of something her family had always known: Ginger had a way of becoming part of people's lives.
Ginger is preceded in death by her father Carl Bird, Sr., mother Mary Bird, brother Carl Bird, Jr. and brothers and sisters-in-law Branard “B.K.” Chafin, Annie Akers (Alvin), Bernice Gray (Joe), Pauline Wells (David). She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Eugene “Gene” Barton; her sister, Margaret “Peggy” Chafin; sisters-in-law, Laura Beth Bird, Brenda Compton (Sherman). She is also survived by her children, Linda Bailey (David), Sharon Barton, and Byron Barton (Sheree); four grandchildren, Allyson Bailey (Colby), Laura Chalfant (Andrew), Starr Barton (Logyn), and Landin Barton; one great-grandchild, Carter Chalfant; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Ginger's life will be held Sunday, August 23, 2026, at CommUnity Church in Salem, VA. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ginger’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association – https://donorservices.alz.org/page/ in support of Alzheimer’s research and/or to CommUnity Church in Salem, VA – https://communitychurchva.com/give
Ginger will be remembered for her faith, her strong personality, her love of family, and the unmistakable way she made her presence known. Her greatest legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply and the faith she worked so hard to pass on to them.
