June 17, 1974 — June 5, 2026
After a courageous 17-month battle with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, Ginger Lee Hardy (Cipta) passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026 surrounded by family and friends.
Ginger was born on June 17, 1974 and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1992. She went on to attend Grand Valley State University and then transferred to Michigan State University where she received her degree in Building Construction Management. After working for O'Neal Construction, her adventurous spirit led her to pursue massage therapy school and a move to Arizona. It was there she met her husband Steve and they were married on July 6, 2013. She continued her construction career at CJ Robbins, Inc. where she was valued for her dedication and loyalty.
To know Ginger was to love her. She possessed a contagious laugh that could light up any room and a gentle, caring nature that made everyone around her feel seen, valued, and comfortable. One of her most endearing gifts was her ability to give people nicknames. No one was safe from receiving one, and every nickname came with a story, inside joke, or a special memory that reflected the unique bond she shared with that person. It was just one of the many ways she made people feel like family.
Family was the center of Ginger's heart. After the passing of her mother, she made the selfless decision to return to Michigan to help care for her father, Greg. Caring for him was never an obligation but more the expression of deep love and devotion that defined her life. During that chapter, she was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of purchasing a farmhouse and raising her furry companions there. The only thing missing was a mini highland cow.
Ginger was preceded in death by her mother, Debbie Cipta; grandparents, Joe and Virginia, Joanne, Harry and Maxine; her uncle, Doug; her cousin, Sydnee; and her beloved dogs, Duke, Hoss, and Izzy.
She is survived by her husband, Steve; her father, Greg; her sister, Loretta (Jason) Yoder; brother, Joe Cipta (Alison Myers); nieces and nephews, Pax, Owen, Macy, Travis, and Mila; great-niece, Ember; stepdaughters, Lauren and Alisha; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
While our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in knowing she is now free from suffering and is reunited with those who have gone before her. In honor of Ginger, may we all love a little deeper, laugh a little louder, adventure a little more, and care for one another more tenderly.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post 510 in Stockbridge.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post 510 or Ginger’s team fundraising page: The Glioblastoma Research Organization.
