Obit for Virginia posted by Janet Laubhan Flickinger
Jan 30, 1932 - Dec 14, 2013

http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/

Virginia Gayle (Ginger) Klaver went to be with the Lord on December 14, 2013, after a lengthy illness.

Ginger was born January 30, 1932 to James Porter and Verna (Thoreson) Porter in Webster City, Iowa.  While a student at Lincoln High School, Ginger was active in many student activities.  One of her favorites was being a cheerleader, a family tradition carried on by her daughters and granddaughters.  After graduating in 1950, Ginger worked as a telephone operator.  On June 15, 1952 Ginger married the love of her life, Philip Klaver III, and the two moved to Ames, Iowa, where Phil completed his degree at Iowa State University.  While in Ames, their son Mark was born.  They later moved to Des Moines, where their daughters Gayle and Kristen were born.  A job transfer relocated the family to Norman where their youngest daughter Lisa was born.

Ginger worked as a Receiving Manager at Cook’s in Norman, and continued to do so after they were purchased by Clark’s.  She also worked as the Receiving Manager at Walmart when they opened a store in Norman.  Some of her favorite memories from work were the times Sam Walton would visit the Norman store and he always made a point to stop and visit with Ginger.  He always began their conversations with “Ginger, make us a cup of coffee,” and the two would then sit and chat.

Ginger was a woman who made friends with everyone she met, and was known for her bright personality and generous spirit.  She loved to shop for clothes, shoes, purses and jewelry, and knew how to find all the best bargains.  She also loved to travel, OU football, and go to casinos.  Ginger loved being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.   She was extremely proud of all four roles and did a wonderful and loving job in each.  Ginger was a very special woman to everyone she met and her life touched many.

Ginger is survived by her husband of over 61 years, Phil, her son Mark Klaver and wife Leta of Scotts Valley, CA., her daughter Kristen Byers and husband Mike of Muskogee, OK, and daughter Lisa Hamilton and husband Chris of Norman, OK.  Surviving grandchildren are Clay Long and wife Gail of St. Johns, FL., Ryan Klaver of Studio City, CA., Brendan Klaver of Los Gatos, CA., Shanann Klaver, of San Francisco, CA.,  Brooke Hamilton, of Norman,  Heather Hamilton, of Norman and Michael Byers of Muskogee and her great grandchildren Cole and Reid Long of St. Johns, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Verna Porter and her daughter Gayle Klaver Long.  Ginger had a very strong faith and is now happily serving as Heaven’s newest Angel.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday December 17, 2013, at the Havenbrook Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at the Havenbrook Funeral Home Chapel.