Virginia (Ginger) Ross Riley, age 68, died at home in her sleep on March 17, 2025.

She grew up on Indian Trail across the street from Hillandale Golf Course, attended Hillandale Elementary School, Carrington Jr. High, and Northern Durham Senior High School. She was a beautiful child with bright blue eyes, long straight blonde hair, and a picture-perfect smile. She was also a child clothing model and a debutante.

At a young age, Ginger found her love for horses. She began taking horseback riding lessons in her early teens and continued to grow her interest into a passion throughout high school. She competed in equestrian events, including dressage and show jumping. With her horse, Lady, she enrolled in Southern Seminary Junior College, a nationally recognized competitor in intercollegiate riding. She often joked that her horse was accepted into school before her.

She and Lady received their 2-year degree and eventually began working for the Hill family at Quail Roost, managing the stables and giving riding instructions. For that, she earned Lady’s room and board.

She is survived by her son, Timothy Lyle Hansen, Jr., his wife Brenda, and their daughters Freya and Anya; her sister Marti McCracken and her wife Susan Turner; three brothers, Lin and his wife Sylvia, Steve and his wife Julie, and Page and his wife, Maggie. She was proud of her nieces and nephews, Kelly, Claire, Clark, Blair, Peyton, and Russell, along with the next generation of Rileys: Keiko, Rhea, Manu, Hazel, and Celia.

She is survived by her son, Timothy Lyle Hansen, Jr., his wife Brenda, and their daughters Freya and Anya; her sister Marti McCracken and her wife Susan Turner; three brothers, Lin and his wife Sylvia, Steve and his wife Julie, and Page and his wife, Maggie. She was proud of her nieces and nephews, Kelly, Claire, Clark, Blair, Peyton, and Russell, along with the next generation of Rileys: Keiko, Rhea, Manu, Hazel, and Celia.

https://www.hallwynne.com/obituaries/virginia-riley