MARY KABBALAH

Born in Wheeling, WV on December 15, 1938, to the late Walter Durkin and Emma Tibbens, she was the eldest of six daughters. Ginger attended St. John Catholic School and graduated as Wellsburg’s 1957 Valedictorian. During her high school years she played the saxophone in the school’s band and was selected to the All-State band. Ginger also participated in The Girl Scouts, earning Curve Bar status and in the summer of 1956 represented W.V. in the first National Girl Scouts Jamboree in Houghton, Michigan. She was also selected to be a member of the scouts Hospitality Team, which welcomed the Jamboree’s guest speaker, Charlton Heston. She was filled with delight at the thrill of receiving a hug from Heston.

Following high school, Ginger attended Marietta College, where she was accepted into Chi Omega Sorority and graduated Cum Laude in Bio-Chemistry. During her college summers she worked at Oglebay Parks’, Wilson Lodge waitstaff. Upon graduation she worked at Don Chemical in Midland, Michigan for several years before obtaining a MA in Nutrition from UNC-Greensboro, after which she worked for the French’s Ford Company in its research and development. Ginger returned to the upper Ohio Valley in 1974 and began working at the Ohio County Public Library where she found a position where she could work helping people more directly.

She met John Kabala and wed in 1979. After seeking to supplement her income, she became a salesperson for Tupperware, at which she excelled. Ginger and her team frequently earned awards for being among the best teams in the Pittsburgh region, often earning first place. Tupperware recognized her with awards for Outstanding Manager excelling in recruiting and sales.

John and Ginger were always known for their hospitality. Beginning in 2005, they hosted their first, of many, foreign exchange students. For over 10 years three of her “children” remained in contact with them. Min-Ho Jin and Se Jung Kwon both of South Korea and Christopher Schubent of Germany. Two years ago Min-Ho along with his family returned to visit his American parents to re-experience the Kabala’s warmth.

After several years, PAX Exchange Company based in New York asked Ginger to become the Regional Placement Representative based on her success with the young students. Ginger always accredited her husband, John, as being a vital part of being a successful host family.

In 2007 Ginger joined her friend and neighbor, Brother John Byrd, FMS, to establish the South Wheeling Preservation Alliance to preserve South Wheeling’s historical and cultural contributions to Wheeling’s rich heritage. They were honored by the state History Heroes, the City of Wheeling and the Daughters of the American Revolution for their efforts. They enlisted the help of Wheeling National Heritage to assist in helping sections of South Wheeling to be declared a National Historic District in 2022 which was a 12 year project.

Ginger was a member and character of the Ritchietown Renaissance, a past member of St. Alphonsus Parish Council and Choir. She enjoyed singing for any occasion. She also found great joy in attending the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra for decades.

She enjoyed the adventure of travel including around the region, the state, the country and even around the world. Including Scotland, Ireland and England with her sisters and a special cruise to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal with her beloved husband of 45 years, John. Ginger found refuge and refreshment in cultivating and growing flowers as well as an assortment of vegetables. With John’s help, she planted many trees and advocated for tree planting to improve the environment and community.

Ginger is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Emma Durkin as well as her sister, Peggy Ketterle.

Left to cherish her memory and carry on Ginger’s legacy of love is her devoted husband, John Kabala, sisters, Pat (Tom) Sowinski, Susan (Alan) Brown, Alice “Pinky” (Will Horton) Fusco, Teresa “Toni” (Larry) Taylor as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Ginger’s family is especially grateful for the loving care of Amedysis Hospice, particularly: Patrick Yoho, Chaplain Jon Hudnall and Jen Vinka.

Ginger was a woman filled with love, life and embodied the care and compassion we are all called to carry for others and the world. She works diligently to make the world a more remarkable place for all. To honor Ginger please consider wearing red, her favorite color, to her visitation on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV from 3:00 to 7:00 PM and Friday, February 21, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM with interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery, National Road Wheeling. Please consider honoring Ginger with a donation in her memory to the Marshall County Animal Shelter by visiting www.TMCFund ing.com. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.AltmeyerFuneral Homes.com.