Virginia (Ginger) Lee Preston Roach was a true Panhandle pioneer and Renaissance woman.  She lived a loving, hard-working, and inquisitive life that made her a joy to befriend and encounter.

Ginger was born 98 years ago to Frank and Lucile (Lee) Preston in Dalhart, Texas. She attended school in Liberal, Kansas and Texhoma, Oklahoma, graduating from Texhoma High School. Ginger briefly attended West Texas State College before returning to Texhoma to marry her high school classmate, Charles Elden Roach.  She went from being a quiet and studious only-child to being a ranching wife and mother of three rambunctious boys. Charles and Ginger were married for over 62 years and we know he greeted her in heaven with a "Hey, Good-lookin'!"

In addition to her home, cooking and ranching duties, Ginger worked at the Texhoma Tag Agency after the boys were in school.  But her greatest works were performed without pay.  She served the Texhoma United Methodist Church as organist and pianist for seventy years, while faithfully assuming numerous leadership roles within the church and United Methodist Women.  She helped open and fund/buy books for the Texhoma Public Library.  She led the Texhoma Genealogical and Historical Society, serving as chairperson and editor of the town's centennial celebration and history book.  Through the Texhoma, Texas County and Sherman County Historical Societies, or for personal use, Ginger wrote many books on the history of family, community and its people.  She served as a consultant on numerous historical projects, including other authors' books and the Ken Burns Dust Bowl film.

Ginger and Charles traveled extensively, often for "bone-rattling" genealogy and research activities.  She loved the arts, especially classical music, so the music festivals at Angel Fire and Santa Fe were favorite summer destinations.  In her final years of life, she was able to enjoy the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago and Philadelphia Symphony and the Count Basie Orchestras. She shared that she first saw the Count Basie Orchestra as a nine-year old child on a train trip with her parents to Kansas City, setting in motion a life-long commitment to experiencing the glory of music.

As the grand matriarch and historian of the Roach Family Reunions, Ginger garnered well-deserved praise from her sons, nieces and nephews  for her cooking skills, her musical and acting talent, and her knowledge of all things "Roach".  As Grandma Ginger, she was admired by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for her cooking skills, her game playing and her Christmas cookies.  Our only regret is the recipes she never wrote down.

Ginger passed peacefully at her home in Stillwater on June 6. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband, Charles Roach and his siblings.  She is survived by her adoring sons and their families: Steve and Christi Roach, Stillwater; Scott and Marva Roach, Stillwater; and Kent Roach, Oklahoma City.  She has eight grandchildren (and spouses); 17 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, LaQuita Roach of Edmond; and nieces, nephews and their families across the country.  "Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a little; I shall set you over much; enter the joy of your Lord." [Matthew 25:21]

Funeral services will be held Friday morning, June 12th at 10:00 a.m. at the Texhoma Methodist Church with her son, Rev. Steve Roach officiating.  Burial will follow at the Texhoma Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon.

Memorials in memory of Ginger can be made to The Texhoma Methodist Church and will be accepted at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, PO Box 1112, Guymon, OK 73942. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.