How do we, in words, honor someone who, because of her humility and concern for others, would say, “If you must say anything, keep it short and sweet”? Yet hers is a life worthy of remembering. And, in remembering, we can learn to be better people because of the lessons in life from Ginger Wild. Ginger was many things to many people, and no matter who you were or how your path crossed with hers, she treated everyone the same.

First, she was a daughter; the firstborn of Ernest James Cox and Betty Lou Christie Cox. She was born on October 6, 1947, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ginger was the big sister to Gerry Cox Hall, Fred Houston Cox, and twins Arthur Edgeworth Cox and Ruby Arlene Cox Fuller. She was the most trusted source of wisdom, love, and support for her family. Ginger grew up on the family farm south of Jenks, attended Bixby Schools, and graduated in 1965. She then attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1969 and later received her master’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University.

On March 23, 1968, she married James Robert Wild, and their fifty-eight-year adventure began. Their family began to grow with the birth of their daughter, Lori, and their first son, Mike, ten months later.

Soon, they moved to Hawaii, where Jim served in the United States Marine Corps, and Ginger managed the apartment complex where they lived on Oʻahu. In 1973, the family returned to Oklahoma and became involved in the family dairy operation, while Ginger began a 30-plus-year career in education.

In 1976, son Matt was born, and the family of five was complete.

Now, as a wife, a mom, a gardener, a partner in a dairy operation, a sister, a daughter, and a granddaughter to family members who benefited from and depended on her care and compassion, the impact of her life was magnified. The broader influence of her life, marked by high standards and strong values, touched hundreds of students and friends.

Ginger’s beautiful life of humility, service, and loyalty to God and family can be seen in the words of Jesus in Luke 17:10: “When you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘We are ordinary servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Although those who lived with her and loved her believe her time was too short, her life here will change the world for the better for many years to come.

Ginger is survived by her husband, Jim, who will miss her most of all; her children, Lori and her husband, Dale Kennemer; Mike and his wife, Pam Wild; and Matt and his wife, Krystal Wild. She is also survived by her grandchildren, who adored their Mimi: Samantha, Bailey, Derek, Garrett, Megan, Levi, Kelcie, Remmi, and Ward; her great-grandchildren, Ruby and Emmy; and baby Brinlee, arriving in November. She is further survived by her siblings, Fred, Arthur, and Arlene.

Waiting at Heaven’s gates to welcome her home were her parents, E.J. and Betty Cox; her sister, Gerry; and a host of family and friends.

And now we hold on to the memories and inspiration of one truly loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Adair Community Education of Excellence (ACEE), P.O. Box 731, Adair, OK 74330.