Virginia Mae Ritzenthaler Gana of Newport, Arkansas was born December 16, 1960 at Brawley, California the daughter of the late Henry Leon and Myrtle Sue Hanson Ritzenthaler. She had served in the United States Air Force and United States Army, and had formerly worked as a corrections officer. She was a member of the Eastern Star and enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafts, and gardening. Mrs. Gana was also a member the Cherokee nation, and was proud of her Native American heritage. Her greatest joy was spending time with her husband Ron, their grandkids and her dog.

Virginia died Saturday, October 20, 2012, along with her husband Ron, as the result of an automobile accident near Sheridan, Arkansas.

Survivors include her son, Shane Tadlock of Scott, Arkansas; daughter, Heather Bolin and husband Paul of Scott, Arkansas; brother, Charlie Ritzenthaler of Paradise California; sister, Amber Shores of Washington; grandchildren, Cheyenne, Miranda, Robert, Destiny, Abby, Paul, Jr., Sarah and Molly.

Memorials may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society or Eastern Star.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 29, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.