Daniel Backry gives Granny a flower a token of his love for her. 

When I was growing up, Aunt Ginger was a constant presence. Whether it was to help my parents with me and my siblings (not an easy task!) or to help my grandma Jean, she was a constant presence . With my father John being an only child, I know Ginger’s love for him made him feel connected and part of a larger family, something that passed on to his wife and children, too. I honestly don’t know where she found the time to love and support her own kids and their families and then also love and support us. The Terry women were something special!

   This is Bobbie
   It's been 10 years since I have seen most of John's cousins. Never ever would have thought that I would be unable to join together with the cousins and their families. Inconceivable due to a virus?  But true. 
     Please share my condolences on the death of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother Ginger. She willingly helped me with family get togethers and fun times with our four stair step children ( four in less than 5 years). 
        Never short on advice but full of assistance and laughs too!  Now Jean, Betty, Laura and Ginger are once again with their most beloved parents. Such beauty in that picture. 
        My first solid remembrance of Aunt Ginger was back in 1973 when John Terry and I lived half a world away in Taipei,Taiwan. I was a new bride in a very new and strange environment.   She sent us a letter via our APO address with a little surprise inside. She’d discover the goodness of adding this pack of seasoning to other ingredients and make (wait for it) the delicious ranch dressing to add to your salads!!!! Wanted us to be aware of this new age delicious salad dressing. 

Laura and Ginger at La Fonda Hotel, Santa Fe New Mexico 2018

I’m Ginger’s oldest grandson and for several years I was actually her neighbor. When I moved to OKC for college my family bought a house a street over from Ginger. My mother was still alive back then and she and my dad would often come to the city for her chemo. This often led to many family dinners and hangouts, with Ginger either joining us at restaurants or hosting us at her house. Though they were both scared and often butted heads, I think that time spent together was really good for my mom and Ginger.

Years later, Ginger would often surprise me with visits; my house happened to be a convenient stop on her almost-daily walks we hear about her enjoying. She’d often let herself in when I’d sleep through her gentle knocks on the door. Sometimes, me being in college, this would result in my stumbling into the living room to find her visiting (and judging) whoever was staying over from a wild night before: my buddies from high school or college, or girlfriends, etc. Looking back at some of the things she’d say or do—some of which I won’t repeat here—those are some of my funniest stories about Ginger.

Eventually I matured and would often walk over to visit her at her house. I’d often find her on the back patio sunning, fixing up the flower beds or reading. She really enjoyed the outdoors and I enjoyed our talks and catching her up on my life. She also had a cat she would deny owning, but make no mistake “Kitty” was allowed anywhere inside or outside Ginger’s house while he awaited his next meal, from Ginger. ...there was also a litterbox.

I don’t think it’s been until lately that I’ve taken pride in being the first of that next generation and understanding maybe why Ginger was a little tougher on me; she just wanted me to be great and as Ginny’s son wanted me to set an example for my cousins and the rest of the family. Going forward, I will try my best to do just that and make her proud.

From all your grandkids, we love you Granny.

Ginger Backry was my mother's sister.  She was my friend.   She was my advocate. I have so many stories involving Ginger that I don't know where to start.  There were road trips to Santa Fe.  There were middle of the night talks when she was post op from her heart surgery and the many phone conversations while we sat in separate hospitals with our children who were sick.  There was a trip to Mexico with Betty and Ginger if you can even imagine that one !!  She kept asking me why they just didn't speak English?    One memory I have of Ginger was following the 911 attack on the World Trade Center.  I was in Bartlesville and had a flight reservation to return home to Santa Fe that day.   Our country had been attacked and  I was anxious to get back to New Mexico to my children.  After a few days, bus travel was my only option.  I drove to Oklahoma City with my mother . Ginger went with us to the greyhound station the next morning.    She walked around the bus and checked out each person who was sitting by the window and scrutinized who I should sit next to. " THAT man...you sit next to him.  He is safe."  She got on the bus with me and made sure that I got the seat next to "that" man.  I always chuckle when I think of this day when she went with me to visit Ben.  He was going to OCU but living off campus with some of his baseball team buddies.  He lived in the sub level bedroom.  The house mascot was an english bulldog named Tank...very sweet but built like a brick wall.  Ben was standing at the bottom of the steps looking into the bedroom where I was sitting.  All of a sudden there was a yell and Ginger was in Ben's arms.   Ginger had been standing at the top of the stairs.... Tank had jumped up to greet her and knocked her into the air. She landed safely into Ben's  strong arms.  It could have been disastrous but there was no harm done...we laughed about that one for a long time.I want to extend my condolences to all of Ginger's children and grandchild

To all of the Backry family  from the Bado family 
We’re all so sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. 
      The Terry women from Seminole, Oklahoma were certainly an amazing quartet. Ginger was the baby and lost her father and mother way too young. I know Jean, Laura and Betty tried their best to help Ginger to adulthood. 
      Ginger was a most competent nurse. I’ve no doubt that she prevented many a medical error. She loved her husband and babies dearly. 

Ginger was something sassy and something special! 

I was fortunate to enjoy her in her later years especially. She and her sister, Betty,  enjoyed visiting and reminiscing and fussing about and with each other. It was so fun to watch and participate. Tender days! 

One of Gingers first visits to our home is a fun memory. The kids were little and we had a little grey bunny named Gracie.  Without introducing Gracie to Ginger, Hank just plopped her into Ginger’s lap then went running off! Although she was a bit startled, she sat there and entered into the chaos with a happy smile! Ginger held that bunny for about an hour!  I have a picture of her holding Gracie with the kids. I’ll try to find it and send it to you. It’s a pretty precious picture from about 20 years ago.  

Beverly, your note this morning was touching and true...the sisters are all together! That is a comforting thought! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers dear girl! Thank you! 



OBITUARY

Ginger Backry

November 1, 1931 – August 23, 2020

Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery

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