Virginia Ragland Carver ("Ginger")

Virginia Ragland Ulrich Carver, affectionately known as "Ginger," went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by her loving family on July 19, 2026. She was 87 years old.

Ginger was born on March 12, 1939, in Fort Benton, Montana, to Sam Benton Ragland and Madeline Fultz Ragland. She attended Fort Benton schools, where she played clarinet in the school band, served as senior editor of the yearbook, and graduated from Fort Benton High School in 1957. One of her proudest accomplishments was serving as Grand Worthy Advisor for the Montana Rainbow Girls in 1958–1959. She later attended the University of Montana, where she earned a bachelor's degree in History in 1961 and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.

Following graduation, Ginger married her college classmate, Paul G. Ulrich, and the couple moved to California while Paul attended Stanford Law School. Ginger began her professional career as Assistant Librarian in the Government Documents Division of Stanford University Libraries and later worked as Head Sales Clerk for the Night Department at Macy's. Their daughter, Kathleen, was born in 1963.

In 1965, the family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where Paul joined a prominent law firm. Ginger became Head Circulation Librarian for the Extension Division of the Arizona State Department of Library and Archives. Their daughter, Marilee, was born in 1967, followed by their son, Michael, in 1970.

From 1967 to 1980, Ginger devoted herself to raising her family. She was actively involved in her children's activities, her church, and numerous charitable organizations. Following her divorce in 1982, she embraced new opportunities with determination and grace.

In 1980, Ginger and several friends founded Phoenix's first balloon delivery service, Balloons Unlimited. She later held financial positions with New York Life and several banking and brokerage firms.

In 1989, Ginger joined Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, where she built an outstanding career. She retired in 2005 as Assistant Vice President of Investments, Retirement Planning Specialist, and Branch Insurance Coordinator. During her tenure, her office achieved the distinction of ranking No. 1 in the nation for the firm. In 1999, she recruited and mentored her son, Michael, as a financial advisor, and together they established The Ulrich Group at Morgan Stanley, which continues serving clients today. Ginger found great fulfillment in helping clients achieve their financial goals and educating them about investing.

Community service was one of Ginger's greatest passions. She generously shared her time and leadership with organizations that strengthened the community, serving in leadership roles with the Phoenix Women's Club, March of Dimes, WESTMARC, the Salvation Army Advisory Board for the Sun Cities/Northwest Valley, and the Kiwanis Club of Sun City West Foundation.

In 2001, Ginger married her high school classmate, Charles K. "Chuck" Carver. Together they enjoyed a wonderful retirement, spending summers in Townsend, Montana, where Ginger loved attending church, participating in women's Bible studies, meeting friends for coffee and tending to their garden.

Ginger also enjoyed water aerobics, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She often joked about "cursing her computer," bringing laughter to those around her. Above all, Ginger cherished her faith and her family. She frequently said that the two most important things in life were faith and family, and she lived by those words every day. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

Ginger is survived by her devoted husband, Charles K. "Chuck" Carver; her children, Kathleen (Darrell) Pennington of Houston, Texas; Marilee Timbrooks of Surprise, Arizona; and Michael (Carolyn) Ulrich of Phoenix, Arizona; her stepchildren, Lyn Carver of Oxnard, California, and Quinn Carver of Libby, Montana; her grandchildren, Madison and Kendall Pennington, Dylan and Gibson Ulrich, and Calvin Timbrooks; and her step-grandchildren, Tanner and Casey Carver, Cassidy, Thaddeus, and Garrison Timbrooks, and Carl and Casandra Gasperi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, S. Benton and Madeline Ragland, and her brother, Sam B. Ragland, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Sun Cities/Northwest Corps, the University of Montana Foundation, or a charity of the donor's choice.

In accordance with Ginger's wishes, a graveside memorial service will be held at the Ragland family plot at Riverside Cemetery in Fort Benton, Montana, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will immediately follow at noon at Fort Benton First Christian Church, 1201 Main Street, Fort Benton, MT 59442. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend. Benton Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.