Virginia “Ginger” Mayfield, age 73, of Hutchinson, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at home on August 2, 2025. Born in 1951, in Hutchinson, Ginger was an artist and lifelong learner.
After graduating from Hutchinson High School (class of 1969), she achieved a Liberal Art degree at Monticello College, a Bachelor of Art degree from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Fine Art from Wichita State University. Each summer Ginger continued to earn graduate level college credits through Adams State College by participating in the Taos Watercolor Workshops held each year in Taos, New Mexico.
The life she lived was one of joy and creativity. Ginger’s paintings are celebrations of vibrant colors which matched her personality. She shared her talents as an art teacher in Kansas, influencing generations of students at Hutchinson High School, where Ginger was a beloved art instructor for over thirty years.
She is survived by: her husband of thirty years, George “Bill” Forst; brother, Bill (Sarah); sister Janet (Randy); sister-in-law, Kathy; and 12 nieces and nephews.
Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, Erma and Martin Mayfield, and brothers, Larry and Rick.
A celebration of Ginger’s life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Hutchinson Art Center, 405 N. Washington St., Hutchinson. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday until October 4 at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, please support children’s art education in Hutchinson by sending donations to Hutchinson Art Center, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.