Ginger Fields, born on August 26, 1944, in Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with pulmonary heart failure. She was 81 years old, and throughout her life, she brought warmth, creativity, and kindness to all who knew her.
Daughter of Marvin and Ruth Strode, Ginger was a beacon of love and resilience. She was predeceased by her cherished husband, Hilton Fields, with whom she shared 42 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a loving family and a life filled with cherished memories.
Ginger is survived by her daughters, Cyndi Mehling, Calla Perkins, and Darci McVay, who carry forward her spirit and legacy. Her love extended to her grandchildren, Beau Mehling, Randi Cruzen, Marie Farrington, Adam Mehling, Kylee Picicci, Josh Miller, Grant Mehling, Sarah Miller, and Whitney Owens, and further to her 14 great-grandchildren, who each brought her immense joy.
Her brother, Jerry Strode, and his wife Cheryl, along with nephews David Goodwin, Jay Strode, and Nick Strode, also survive her. Ginger was predeceased by her brother Daniel Strode, sister Kathi Goodwin, daughter Laura Fields, son Jeff Crain Fields, and grandson Michael Miller.
Ginger graduated from Bend Community College in March 1966, earning her LPN license. She dedicated nearly five decades of her life to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, Washington. Her dedication and compassionate care left an indelible mark on her colleagues and patients alike.
Ginger was an exuberant member of the Sons of Norway and an Active 4-Life Member. Her life was enriched by her passions, which included reading, baking, needlework, painting, and various craft projects. Known for her meticulously crafted gingerbread houses, Ginger's creations were a testament to her artistic flair and attention to detail. Her bright, colorful hair and kind smile were as distinctive as the goodies she loved to bake, and she brought joy to every gathering she attended.
Ginger's life was a tapestry of love, creativity, and unwavering kindness. Her memory will be cherished by her family and the countless friends she made along her journey.
In honoring Ginger's memory, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice, reflecting her generous spirit and commitment to helping others. Her legacy of love and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Funeral Program
Order of Service
Gatheringpiano stylings of Steve Christofferson
Welcome/IntroductionPastor JJ Dygert
Remembrance of Baptism/InvocationPastor JJ Dygert
ScripturesPastor JJ Dygert
Song "The Old Rugged Cross"Heather Keizur & Steve Christofferson
Rememberances IChaplain Tim Ledbetter
Song "In the Garden"Heather Keizur & Steve Christofferson
Photo Tribute
ReflectionsChaplain Tim Ledbetter
White Rose Ceremony "Nurse's Nightengale Tribute"Elaine Heatheringon & Margi Hughes
Song "My Way"Heather Keizur & Steve Christofferson
Sending (Commendation/Benediction)Pastor JJ & Chaplain Tim
Afterglow
I'd like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve
to dry before the sun
of happy memories that I leave
when life is done.
Continue the Celebration
Please join us for refreshments in the Fellowship Hall so we may continue in the celebration of Ginger's Wonderful Life. Thank you all for sharing in this time with us. Ginger loved you all dearly and she is smiling down upon us all.
Special Thanks
The family of Virginia "Ginger" Lee Strode Fields extends heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, support, and kindness during this time.