Ginger Lynn Clifton

Ginger Lynne (McMahan) Clifton, age 61, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, in McMinnville, Oregon, with her children by her side surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on February 9, 1964, in Encino, California, to Gloria (Dean) Gardner and the late Arthur McMahan. Ginger lived a life overflowing with humor, creativity, and heart. She was talented in more ways than anyone could count—an artist, an author, a gifted caterer, an extreme couponer, and a cook whose abilities shone brightest when she was feeding a crowd. Whether she was running the kitchen at a massive Boy Scout summer camp or pulling together a feast for family and friends, Ginger flourished with an apron on, a deadline looming, and a kitchen full of joyful chaos. She believed food was love, and she shared that love abundantly. Her loved ones jokingly called her pantry “Ginco,” and she invited everyone to shop her shelves free of charge. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ginger’s faith was a steady anchor throughout her life. She taught through action—service, compassion, humor, and an unwavering willingness to show up for others. Even when tired. Even when hurting. Especially then. In December 1983 she welcomed her daughter, Holly, one of her greatest joys. In August 1997 she welcomed her son, Aaron. She also was a bonus mom to Joseph, Tina, Brandy, and Brandht. Ginger adored being a grandmother. Her grandchildren—Jolynne “Jo Jo,” Charlotte “Charlee,” Dean Arthur, Emersyn and bonus grandbaby Hazel—were the lights of her life. Though dementia set in before Emersyn’s birth, Ginger’s fierce and enduring love for her family never dimmed. She is survived by her mother, Gloria Gardner; her sisters, Maureen (Sam) Zimmerman and Carolyn Torres; and her brothers, Joe and Marshall McMahan. She leaves behind her daughter, Holly Olsen; her son, Aaron Clifton; her beloved grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews by both blood and bond. Ginger lived loud, loved fiercely, and cooked like she was preparing a feast for heaven itself. She could be given a cardboard box and a roll of duct tape and craft anything needed and she wasn't afraid to draft you into "Auntie Ginger boot camp" if you stepped out of line. She was an avid collector of sock monkeys, gingerbread men, nutcrackers, coupons and deals. Her humor, resilience, and wildly generous spirit will be remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her. Services will be held at the LDS Church in McMinnville Oregon on Friday December 5th, 2025 at 6 pm. There will be a brief funeral service in the chapel followed by a Celebration of Life in the gym in true Ginger fashion with her delicious recipes and laughter. Her motto of "serving up full bellies and fuller hearts" will live on! The following is the death announcement made on Facebook by her daughter Holly that fits with the way Ginger lived her life. 💐 Ginger Clifton Has Officially Clocked Out (Heaven, please prepare yourselves.) Departed at 9:15 PM PST on November 29, 2025 Well, folks, Ginger Clifton has moved on to the afterlife. Apparently she found a place where coupons never expire, spices are never bland, and no one dares argue with her about how to load a dishwasher. Heaven didn’t know what it signed up for. Within minutes of arrival, Ginger reportedly marched into the celestial kitchen, took one look at the angels’ cooking, and said, “Oh bless your hearts… no.” She’s now head chef, head critic, and head of the “Stop Using Garlic Powder Like That” Committee. The Boy Scouts up there are already terrified. She’s implemented new badge requirements, including: Fire-Building 301: “If you can’t start it in the rain, it doesn’t count.” Knot Tying for People Who Think They Already Know How: (They don’t.) Don’t Whine, Just Do It: A merit badge she insisted should exist. Her artistic streak hasn’t slowed down either. The pearly gates now have seasonal wreaths. The saints have notes on color coordination. And of course, Ginger being Ginger, reorganized heaven’s pantry. Alphabetical, chronological, emotional, and coupon value. St. Peter is still trying to find the paprika. We’re going to miss her — her wit, her creativity, her absolute refusal to let anyone half-ass anything. If she could give us a final piece of wisdom, it would likely be: “Don’t mourn me. Just stop wasting money, stop overcooking chicken, label your leftovers and for the love of all that is holy, SEASON YOUR FOOD!” Please share your favorite Ginger stories, disasters she fixed, meals she saved, or badges she guilted you into earning. She’d expect nothing less than a full comment section.

Ginger Lynn Clifton

February 9, 1964 - November 29, 2025