Virginia Ehr

Virginia Decker (Fickel) Ehr, 96, of Carlisle Pa. passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. Up until her passing, Ginny maintained her kindness, compassion, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude of her long life and many experiences. Ginny's life can best be remembered by her service to others, and her many ways she served her community and God.

Ginny spent her early years and schooling in Gregg Township Pa with her parents John and Theresa Decker. She met Jim Fickel, graduated with honors from Gettysburg College in 1952, and moved to Carlisle. They raised three children, David (Carolyn), William (Kim), and Linda (Mark Heisey.) After earning her Masters in Counseling, Ginny served on the boards of the United Way, Salvation Army, YWCA, Civic Club, Carlisle School District, and First Lutheran Church. She coordinated the establishment of the CanSurmount Program, and served as a member of the Governors Energy Council and trustee board of the Harrisburg Area Community College.

After recovering from a brain tumor in 1977, Ginny founded the Acoustic Neuroma Association which became an international group that supports brain tumor patients. In 1991President George Bush named Ginny a "Point of Light" for her unwavering work in this field. She also received awards from the American Medical Association, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for her illustrious college sports career, and the Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. As an acclaimed presente·rand published author, she has helped countless people survive and thrive after their brain tumor experiences.

After Jim's passing, Ginny met and married Donald Ehr in 1995. Together in Brevard NC they volunteered for many church and service organizations.

Ginny was predeceased by her parents, son David, Jim Fickel,and Don Ehr. She is survived by son William Fickel, daughter Linda Niesen, grandchildren Eric, Tim, Daniel Niesen, Elizabeth Yocum, Megan Mackes, Lucas Fickel, and Melissa, David James and Lindsey Fickel. She was blessed to know and love her eight great grandchildren: Amelia and Frankie Yocum, Thomas and Tessa Niesen, Rosemary and Virginia Mackes, and Liliana and James Niesen. Ginny is also survived by her step children: Elizabeth, James, Thomas, Michael, Catherine and Meg Ehr, Carolyn Fickel, Diane Leier, and Suzanne Millon. In her final years Ginny was aided by her special caregivers Kari Gibelius, Becky Halteman, Alexia Keiter, Rusty Robb and Jenny Taylor.

Services and burial will be at the convenience of the family.