May 8, 1958-October 4, 2025
Ginger Meglasson was truly a force to be reckoned with. Many knew her as “tough,” “ornery,” or even “no-nonsense” at times, but those who were closest to her understood that her grit was always in service of protecting and uplifting the people she loved. She was unflinching when it came to making things right and brave when it mattered most, though she drew the line at picking tomato worms off her plants.
For those lucky enough to be in her inner circle, Ginger was more than a protector. She was a steadfast friend, loving wife, caring sister, devoted daughter, and most of all, a dedicated mother. She often referred to herself as a sheepdog, watching over those who needed it most, and in truth, she was just that: proud, loyal, and fiercely devoted. She always embraced her children’s friends as her own, quickly earning the nickname “Mama G.”
Ginger left this world unexpectedly and far too soon on October 4, 2025, at the young age of 67. She leaves behind her husband, Thomas Meglasson; her daughters, Rebecca Strobing and husband Andrew, and Madeleine Capshaw and husband Christian; her sons, Doug Johannsen, and Jeff Johannsen and wife Julie; and her beloved granddaughters, Jaycee Johannsen and Nora Strobing. She is also survived by her mother, Sylvia Nelson, and her siblings, Laura Slaughter and husband Scott, Brent Nelson and wife Jennifer, and Flint Nelson; along with many nephews and nieces whom she all loved.
Ginger lived life with passion and conviction. She loved listening to The Eagles, sipping dirty martinis and mimosas, cooking fancy dinners, and tending to her menagerie of animals. Her favorite songs were You Are My Sunshine, You Are My Special Angel, and What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, which was also her first dance song with Tom, a reminder of the joy, love, wonder, and whimsy she carried with her always. Her calling to nurture and heal extended beyond her lifelong career in nursing; she had an open heart for anyone, or any creature, who needed a hand up. And more often than not, Ginger being Ginger, she found a way to make a difference.
Ginger would not want anyone to be in mourning, and she greatly disliked the color black for funerals. She often described her preferred celebration of life as a party, complete with a New Orleans-style brass band, good food, and even better company. The family plans to have a celebration of life for Ginger later this month. The details are forthcoming, but the family asks that all who are able to attend please wear a shade of her favorite color: purple.
