Ginger Rae (Anderson) Mendenhall passed away April 22, 2018 in her home after a long battle with cancer. She was 67.
Ginger was born July 7, 1950 in Olney, Texas. She was the daughter of Evelyn Ruth Anderson and Kenneth Gene Anderson.
The family moved to Enid, Oklahoma where Ginger spent her childhood. After graduating from Enid High School in 1968 she attended Oklahoma State University and eventually transferred to North Eastern University where she graduated with her teaching degree. Ginger continued her education and received her master’s degree in education.
Education and teaching was Ginger’s passion. She taught at Tulsa Public Schools as a Reading Specialist, was Tulsa Public Schools Teacher of the Year as well as a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Ginger also assisted many other educators in their career. She was a great mentor to new teachers and loved her students.
When Ginger wasn’t teaching or writing curriculum she spent her time with her grandchildren. They were the light of her world. She was always going to their dance recitals, plays, sporting events and spoiling them any way she could. Some of their favorite memories were the trips she would take them on. As long as it involved a beach Ginger was happy. Concerts were another of her favorite past-times with her girls. Her spunky and outgoing personality is something no one will forget. She was always thinking of others and willing to help out anyone she could.
She is preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Gene Anderson.
Survivors include her mother, Evelyn Ruth Anderson; daughter, Heather Monks and her husband, Alan; sister, Patty Tipton and her husband, Ed. She also leaves seven grandchildren, Madison and her husband Andrew, Meghan, Michaela, Macy, Chandler, Brooklyn and Dodger; and two great grandchildren, Harper and Jackson.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ginger to the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma; 600 NW 23rd St. #206, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. In the check memo please put Ginger’s full name.
Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt’s Tulsa Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family, online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.
