Ginger Olsen passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025 in the exact spot she wanted to be, at her ranch on the top of Humboldt Hill, overlooking the ocean, with loved ones by her side. Ginger lived a remarkable life marked by dedication, compassion and an adventurous spirit.

Ginger was born in 1937 and spent the first half of her life in big cities, living, working and pursuing her education in New York, New Jersey and L.A.

It was by chance on a weekend getaway to Humboldt County that she saw and fell in love with the ranch at the top of Humboldt Hill. In true Ginger style, she made an offer and decided to move here, still having a job and house in LA and having no plan about what she was going to do here. She just knew this was where she wanted to be.

Ginger was a devoted nurse who not only cared for countless patients but also inspired future generations by teaching nursing. She achieved a Ph.D. in Education, reflecting her passion for learning and imparting knowledge. Ginger taught nursing at College of the Redwoods, and also ran a program for people who had gotten a DUI. Beyond her professional achievements, Ginger was also an election worker year after year. She was vocal about everyone exercising their right to vote, and if you didn’t, she would ask why not! You could often find Ginger at a rally in front of the courthouse, or on the phone to one of her representatives, and if she didn’t like the answers she got, you might just find her running in the next election! Ginger made sure her voice was heard by any means. Ginger and her life partner Diana owned a goat farm where they crafted award-winning cheeses, and could be found at the farmers Market in Arcata for many years. Their Capricious cheese won best in show at the American Cheese Society’s nationwide show, beating out some very stiff competition.

An avid traveler, Ginger explored the world, embracing diverse cultures and experiences. At 69, Ginger traveled to Lebanon to teach cheese making and ended up having to be evacuated by the military due to unrest in the area. It was a profound experience that changed her forever and was the subject of her book, which she published this year, at 88 years old!

Ginger was a proud, active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 40 years, embodying a life dedicated to service and helping others find hope and recovery. She even opened a transitional living house and was responsible for helping countless people get off the streets, further highlighting her dedication to service.

Ginger leaves behind both East Coast and West Coast family. Her commitment to family was second to none. She used to always say, I don’t throw away family! And you could always count on her to lend an ear (and tell you what to do!) even in your darkest hour. She was a beloved spouse/life partner, step-mother, bonus mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, cousin and especially Tanta. Ginger loved all of her family, but it’s important to mention that she shared a very special bond with her niece, Renee Winslow, who came from the east coast to live on her Tantas goat ranch during high school. The bond they built remained strong until the moment Ginger left us … and I’m sure will be carried in Renee’s heart forever. She is already missed sorely by us all.

Ginger was extremely proud to have seen the laws change in this state/country such that she was able to legally marry her life partner, Diana Livingston, who cared for Ginger for years all the way to the end, allowing Ginger to live out her life for as long as possible. We all should be so lucky to have that kind of love in our lives.

A celebration of Ginger’s Remarkable Life will be held on August 23, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Ginger and Diana’s Ranch, located at 7333 Humboldt Hill Rd, Eureka. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Feel free to bring a side dish or dessert to share if you want, and/or a memory of Ginger to share with us. We ask that you carpool whenever possible. For more information, text 707-845-4191, messages will be checked and responded to once a day.

Ginger’s legacy of strength, service, resilience and zest for life will continue to inspire all who knew her.