Virginia "Ginger" Gayle Mathis died in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday, June 17th at the age of 78.
Ginger is survived by Loren Mathis, her husband of 32 years. 7 children, 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren also survive her. She is also survived by her brother, a step sister and a step brother in Texas. Her mother, Mamie McNair and father, Robert Nicholson as well as former husband, Darrell Boehland preceded her in death.
Ginger spent her childhood and early adult years in Del Rio, Texas where her oldest daughter was born. As a young adult, she moved to Minnesota. She helped manage the Boehland family farm in addition to raising her now growing family of 5 children. Ginger and family moved out west to Eugene to join other family members in 1965. Her 2 youngest daughters were born in Eugene.
After her youngest children started school, Ginger received her real estate license and briefly sold real estate before settling on a career in retail. She worked nearly 20 years for Troutmans' Emporium at 29th and Willamette where she made lifelong friends and enjoyed interacting with her frequent customers. She retired from retail in the early 2000's.
Ginger and Loren moved south to Texas in 2004 to care for Ginger's mother in her original hometown. She was able to reconnect with many childhood friends and family in Texas during that time. In 2014, they returned to Eugene where she enjoyed some of her favorite activities in the cooler climate, tending her flower garden, bargain hunting and cooking big Tex Mex fiestas for her family and friends.
A family remembrance is being planned for later this summer.
The family would like to thank Cascade Health and Hospice for their support. If you would like to contribute in her memory, please consider a donation online or at: Cascade Health Foundation 2650 Suzanne Way, Suite 200, Eugene, OR 97408