Ginny, the wife of the late Robert A. Heinlein, died this weekend after a long illness. Heinlein is considered by many to be the greatest science fiction writer of the modern era. He wrote “Stranger in a Strange Land” and “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.” He was the first recipient of the title Grand Master of Science Fiction by the Nebula Awards.

His beloved Ginny was his partner for most of his professional life. It was her idea that sparks the novel that was to evolve into Valentine Michael Smith, the protagonist of “Stranger.” She helped keep Robert alive through two serious illnesses that could have kept Heinlein from completing the final handful of novels before his death. She served as a sounding board for all of his many wonderful ideas. Heinlein’s novels are populated with strong women, and Ginny was the model for all of them. She will be missed by all who knew her, myself included.

The full obituary is available. More information is available at The Heinlein Society Web site.