Almina 'Ginger" Jean Larson passed away on February 4, 2024, in Salem, Oregon. Born in LaGrande Oregon in 1941 Ginger loved her childhood, moving to several small towns in eastern Oregon with her family, her dad being employed by the State Highway Department. Ginger always had fun being the "new girl" at the school. She had a charm about her that was impossible to miss. Her family eventually landed in Salem, and she graduated from North Salem High School in 1959. She then left for Minnesota for the summer. Little did she know how her life would change. She was about to meet her husband and loved to tell the story. While working at the A & W in Minnesota as a carhop, she met Wendell for the first time. They went out for three weeks, returned to Salem and got married shortly thereafter.

Their life together in Salem began in earnest raising kids and building houses. Wendell would build a house and Ginger made it their home until it was sold, and then the process started again. A great plan for a home builder and a homemaker! Eventually Wendell built the family a home in the Silverton Hills as they wanted to raise their family in the country. Ginger continued to serve her family faithfully as a full-time homemaker, it was her most desired role.

Her love was often expressed through serving homemade delicious meals and baked goods. Ginger was an accomplished knitter providing her grandkids each with a school themed letterman sweater. When a new baby in her family arrived, she blessed them with a knitted blanket, bonnet and booties. Also known as "Suzie" (as Wendell fondly called her) Ginger enjoyed bowling, riding her bike, picnicking at the Santiam, roller skating and swimming with her grandkids.

Later they bought a property east of Silverton where they ran a small herd of Red Angus cattle. This home was a hub for family activity. So many times, this was a place of sweet reunion for aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins and friends. After Wendell passed away in 2000, Ginger stayed on the property for a number of years enjoying time with her family. She then moved to a retirement living community in Keizer where she met many great and close friends. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a child of God who trusted in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ginger was preceded in death by her husband Wendell; her parents Louie Zahler and Eva Yates; her stepdad Frankie Hildebrandt; and her brother Bud Zahler. She is survived by her brothers Fred Hildebrandt and Butch Hildebrandt, her sister Rose Ann (Joe) Wittenborn; her children Mitchell (Dawn) Larson; Wendi (Pete) Rawlins; Brian Larson; Eric (Cassy) Larson; 20 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Calvary Chapel of Salem, 1550 Hoffman Rd NE Salem OR on March 16th at 1pm ~ Lunch will be served, and all are welcome to join the family.