Almina ‘Ginger” Jean Larson passed away on Feb. 4, 2024 in Salem, Oregon. Born in LaGrande, Oregon on Feb. 4, 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 school.
Her family eventually landed in Salem and she graduated from North Salem High School in 1959. She then left for Minnesota for the summer, where she met Wendell Larson. They returned to Salem and got married shortly thereafter.
Their life together began in earnest raising kids and building houses. Wendell would build a house, Ginger would make it their home until it sold, and the process started again. Eventually Wendell built the family a home in the Silverton Hills as they wanted to raise their family in the country.
After Wendell’s passing in 2000, Ginger lived on the property for a number of years before moving to a retirement community in Keizer.
Ginger’s love was often expressed through serving homemade delicious meals and baked goods, and she was an accomplished knitter. She also enjoyed bowling, riding her bike, picnicking along the Santiam, roller skating and swimming with her grandkids.
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. N.E., Salem on Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m. Lunch will be served and all are welcome to join the family.
