Virginia Rae (Ginger) Roberts passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026, in Richmond, Indiana, after a brief illness. She and her late husband, Dick, were residents of Richmond since 2010.

Ginger was born on July 15, 1936, in Grand Forks, ND, to Sigmund Adolph Purpur of Grand Forks, ND, and Gladys Evelyn Vosper of Asquith, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was proud to be the goddaughter of NHL hockey player Clifford (Fido) Purpur of Grand Forks, who played for various teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks and the Indianapolis Capitols.

Her family moved to Seattle, WA, toward the end of the Depression, where her father, a professional baker, worked as "the pie guy" for an industrial bakery, who partnered with the USO during the war.

Ginger's family supported the war effort during both WW II and the Korean War, by welcoming US Navy sailors on leave in Seattle, into their home. Her mother would sew costumes and coordinate tap routines for Ginger and her older sister, Phyllis, to entertain military personnel at USOs throughout Western WA. This experience ignited Ginger's passion for tap dancing, which would later become a lifelong interest. She pursued her passion as a performer, instructor, choreographer, and promoter.

A graduate of Lincoln High School in Seattle, she met her future husband, Richard E (Dick) Roberts, on a blind date with a group of his fraternity brothers from the University of Washington in 1955. Interestingly, they were paired up because they were the shortest individuals in their respective groups. It was a match made in heaven and they tied the knot on March 17, 1956. She often reminisced about the special moments, like her father baking and decorating her wedding cake and her mother designing and making her wedding dress.

Ginger, an early adopter of computers for graphic art applications, had a long and successful career at McPherson's Realty. The skills she learned were later used to put her choreography into the hands of her tap students and Master Tap Dancers all over the world.

Following her retirement, she organized a group of women interested in learning to tap dance. Together, they began entertaining at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
An excellent seamstress, she created many of the outrageous and flamboyant costumes that would embarrass performers but attract the audience's attention.

Upon relocating to Richmond, she recreated her tap dance fellowship and played a pivotal role in bringing several renowned tap dance experts to Richmond for community events sponsored by The Leland Residence.

Ginger is survived by her son, Mark W (Linda) Roberts, Camano Island, WA; and her daughter, Kelleen R "Kelley" (Gregg) Roberts, Richmond, IN. She is also survived by grandchildren Koll Gjolmesli (partner, Selina), Richmond, IN; Johnny (Janett) Bowen, Boise, ID; Luke Roberts, Arlington, WA; Catherine Stuivenga (Johnny) Otis Orchards, WA; Brian (partner Golnoosh) Roberts, Marysville, WA; Brad (partner, Elizabeth) Roberts, Edmonds, WA. Additionally, she is survived by her great-grandchildren Dannika Roberts, Carter, Eric, and Isabelle Stuivenga.

Ginger was preceded in death by her son, Kearn R. Roberts, and her husband, Richard Roberts, both of whom passed away in 2005 and 2016, respectively.

Ginger and her grandson Koll were regular attendees at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Richmond, where Pastor Clifford Nunn provided them with an unwavering and compassionate spiritual support system. Our family is grateful for their grace-filled support.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 15, 2026 at her daughter Kelley's home.

Condlences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stegallberheideorr.com