11/13/77 - 7/20/2008
Eulogy given by Jason at her funeral:
Ginger’s death has been a terrible shock and tragedy for her husband, Jason, their children and our entire family. It is a tremendous loss for us and for so many whose lives she has touched. But in the hours and days of sorrow that have passed since Sunday morning, we have become aware of the many tender mercies of the Lord that have prepared us and, in His grand design, orchestrated a series of events and circumstances that have lightened our burdens and lifted our spirits. Most importantly, we have been blessed in recent months as we have been able to spend a great deal of time with Ginger, which has been a great blessing to us.
Our family has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and compassion that so many have shared with us during this difficult time. Our hearts have been touched and our spirits buoyed up by the countless visits, phone calls, emails, cards, flowers, blog comments and other expressions of love and condolences. What a tribute to my parents for raising a wonderful daughter, and especially to Jason and Ginger who are loved by so many who have been a part of their lives. We are so grateful for your thoughtfulness, acts of service and prayers. Thank you all so much for coming and sharing this time with us.
My mind keeps returning to the scripture “I know the Lord loveth His children, nevertheless I do not know the meaning of all things.” We don’t fully understand why Ginger was taken from her family and this life so early and why she has been called home, but we know the Lord loves her and loves us, and that brings us comfort. Jesus promises he will send His spirit when we are in need. Since Ginger’s passing, we have felt that spirit, the presence of the Holy Ghost and we know the Comforter is real.
I have the privilege and the daunting task of sharing the highlights of Ginger’s life. Our family has gathered together and remembered who she was and what she has accomplished. It has been difficult to condense into just the highlights from a life full of highlights. As was said of the Savior, she went about doing good.
Ginger Dee Clinton was born November 13, 1977, in Westlake Village, California; the sixth child of Roger and Kandy Zierenberg. She would eventually become the middle child of eleven, with five older siblings and five younger. She was such a fun, spunky, cute energetic, witty little girl. She was just fun to be around.
When Ginger was seven years old, she and several of her siblings were involved in community gymnastics. Ginger was quickly noticed as one with incredible potential. Her coach called her a Diamond in the Rough and asked permission to have her participate in their intensive training program. But her mother knew she was meant for better things than a single focus. Instead she was given opportunities which allowed her to experience a broader range of talents and avenues to serve and grow.
By eighth grade she was an accomplished and well-rounded ball of talent. My mom made a list:
o She played the lead role, Alice, in her school’s two hour highly professional production of Alice in Wonderland. She had over a hundred lines and she was incredible.
o She played the piano.
o She was captain of the cheerleading team.
o Her California Achievement tests were all 12th grade level except one area that was at the normal 8th grade level (I’m guessing math).
o At her 8th grade graduation, she received the American Legion Certificate of School Award for high quality of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service.
Ginger was becoming a diamond in ways other than athletics. For several years, Ginger spent her time babysitting for a few families that became very special to her. She often talked about her experiences with these children and has always cared deeply for these families. Between taking care of these children and her own younger sisters and brother, she prepared herself to be a superb mother.
She attended Moorpark College and Brigham Young University where she studied Speech Language Pathology.
As she approached adulthood, she met a young man, Jason Clinton…a lump of coal himself, you might have said. Jason was rough but Ginger saw his potential… she supported and encouraged him while he served a full-time mission in Texas…she was there for him when he returned… they were sealed for time and all eternity as husband and wife in the Los Angeles temple and for the next nine years, with her strength of spirit, obedience, testimony and Christ-like character she has chipped away, smoothed and polished him into a great man, a valiant priesthood holder, a loving husband and an attentive and compassionate father. She loves him with her whole soul. Anyone around them saw and felt the love they have for each other.
Together they had four beautifully children, Erin, Jenna, Brady and Holly. Despite her many talents and interests and acts of service to others, loving and teaching and caring of her family was her top priority, and she was an extraordinary wife and mother. Ginger taught her children the Gospel of Jesus Christ in so many ways. They held regular Family Home Evenings and scripture study, they prayed together and attended Church faithfully. But she also looked for everyday experiences to teach her children about Jesus and how to live as He did. With the many talents she had, she could have had a successful career, but she chose that better part and her children will always be blessed for the time they had with her.
Even though her family was her main focus, she gave so much to so many others, including family, friends and neighbors. She has been so generous with her time, talents and resources. Ginger had developed the character of Christ. That character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to turn inward. Regardless of her own needs and trials, Ginger always reached out and was there to support and serve others. Numerous comments, emails and postings on her blog have expressed this.
Ginger was an avid reader, enjoying novels, cookbooks, biographies and religious material. She was a student and teacher of the scriptures. She was blessed with the gift of speaking and teaching. In a blessing she was told that if she would “cling to the truth and follow the ways of the Lord, you will become an efficient teacher, able to touch the hearts of many and be able to guide and direct those over whom you are placed. And they will treasure the memories of you as their mentor. “
Shortly after she and Jason were married and moved to Simi Valley, she was called as a seminary teacher. When they moved into another ward soon after, she was called as the Young Women’s President. Then they moved back into their original ward and she was called to teach Gospel Doctrine. Teaching and serving the youth have been strong themes for her. Last month she was sustained as a counselor in her ward Primary Presidency.
One of her best qualities is her ability to really listen to others. When you talked to her, she was THERE! She had tremendous empathy and compassion for others and several people have commented that she never judged them, but instead had unconditional love.
The reason Ginger was such an amazing person and why she is so loved and will be so missed is because she lived what she knew to be true.
She knew the Savior lives. She was valiant in her testimony of Christ.
She knew the Gospel is true and that the Lord’s church is led by a living prophet.
She knew the scriptures are true. She read them, she studied them, she searched them, she lived the principles they teach. she came to know her Savior and in the process, became like Him.
She knew the family is an eternal unit and that we can be together forever if we but live worthily.
On the Thursday, July 17th, she and Jason spent several hours serving in the temple together.
On Sunday morning, July 20th her heart stopped from a rare, unknown condition (Long QT Syndrome) and she passed away in her sleep. To quote the prophet Joseph Smith, “we have seen her walk worthily in our midst, and seen her sink asleep in the arms of Jesus.
We love you Ginger.
Ginger's first b-day, with older siblings.
Ginger's:
http://jasondgingerd.blogspot.com/
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81wLKZRnc817cBLDS02U4lwiaPxIy54qy4sYmXMbsfNZcGAGFxBhPIIjzBJpdVxbYQBx2QclmuZ52o1jhenqG2vSLKZ2P6hvOWM0X8y4uZ0g8XhyCacwvx0ajsJxYVrOEC5-kgwjgD2MZ/s1600-h/Emergency_Letter.jpg
Articles about Ginger:
http://www.moorparkacorn.com/news/2008/0801/Front_page/004.html
http://www.legacy.com/venturacountystar/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=116251714
Reflections from family and friends:
http://jasondgingerd.blogspot.com/2008/07/happiness.html
http://cottons.blogspot.com/2008/07/ginger-dee-clinton.html
http://cottons.blogspot.com/2008/07/tender-mercies.html
http://dhspanglers.blogspot.com/2008/07/sisters-forever.html
http://mazkaz.blogspot.com/2008/07/gingerforever-my-sister.html
http://melindaevva.blogspot.com/2008/07/im-going-to-miss-you-ginger-dee.html
http://melindaevva.blogspot.com/2008/08/more-memories-of-ginger.html
http://trevnat.blogspot.com/2008/07/ginger-dee-clinton-mom-wife-sister-and.html
http://clintsumkellogg.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-forever-sister-ginger-dee-clinton.html
The last photo of the whole Z family,
taken after Grammie's funeral.
Ginger with younger sisters at
school in Provo, Utah.
Girls Weekend March 2008
at Ginger's house.
