Virginia "Ginny" (VanAntwerp) Porteous

Beaverton - Virginia "Ginny" Porteous, 77, passed away on June 12, 2026.  

Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1948, Ginny spent much of her life doing things her own way and leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Though her birth certificate said Virginia, nobody called her that-she was simply Ginny to family, friends, coworkers, and anyone lucky enough to know her. As a feared and respected bus driver for Cadillac Public Schools, she mastered the art of keeping dozens of children in line while navigating Michigan roads - a skill set few can claim.  Life took Ginny down a few different roads before she finally found her partner, Craig. It may have taken a couple of tries, but when she found him, she found someone who loved her exactly as she was. Craig preceded her in death in 2023, and those who loved them both find comfort in imagining their reunion.  

Ginny enjoyed the simple things in life: a good book, a competitive game of Scrabble, and an obsession for a cold glass of Nestlé Quik. She also took great pleasure in keeping family and friends on their toes with playful threats involving "the nub"- a warning that was usually delivered with a grin and understood by all who knew her. Ginny was preceded in death by her partner, Craig Torbet; her son, Rick Porteous, who passed away in 2015; and her parents, Elwood and Myrtle VanAntwerp.  

She is survived by her son, Rodney Porteous; her grandsons, Jake Elwood Porteous and Storm Porteous; her siblings, Howard (Diana) VanAntwerp, Roy (Dawn) VanAntwerp, Connie VanAntwerp, and Jay (Cindy) VanAntwerp; as well as nieces and nephews and their children who loved their Aunt Ginny dearly. Ginny will be remembered for her independence, stubbornness, humor, and her willingness to say exactly what was on her mind. She lived life on her own terms and left behind countless stories that will continue to be shared for years to come.

Help celebrate Ginny's life on June 26, 2026 at the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home in Cadillac. Family and friends may gather starting at 2:00pm with a memorial service to take place at 3:00pm. If you wish for a memory of Ginny to be shared, please write it on a note card provided during the gathering hour, or bring it with you, to have it read during the service. Luncheon to follow at the Cadillac United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity located in Cadillac Michigan in honor of Ginny.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com  The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  

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