Pamela "Ginger" McCarty

Pamela “Ginger” McCarty, 78, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Ginger was born on October 2, 1948, in Orange, California, the daughter of Tore and Winnona (Anderson) Johanson. She graduated from Lakewood High School and went on to work as an office clerk for Jones Lumber Company, where she remained until her retirement. Ginger was a member of Salem United Methodist Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a loyal friend, and someone who brought warmth, laughter, and energy to the people she cared about. Her grandchildren knew her as GIGI or GRANDMA G, and she treasured the time they spent together, especially holidays. For example, the Fourth of July was so often a huge event of food, fireworks, and laughter. Another event was the big gingerbread house making that pushed so many people to new creative levels and has become a tradition. She also loved smaller backyard BBQs, playing board games, and camping trips that are remembered by everyone.

Her friendships were an important part of her life. She was known for her humor, generosity, and hospitality, and many will remember the way she always had a shoulder to cry on, an ear to talk to, or a spare bed to rest your head on.

1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

This reminds us that active, deep, genuine love can overlook and redeem human mistakes.

Survivors include her children, Dawn (Mark) Fouch of Iowa, Aimee (Michael Brown) McCarty, Jillian (Ozzie) Pina, and Matthew McCarty, all of California; brother, Dana (Jennifer) Johanson of California; sister, Becky Johanson of California; granddaughter-in-law, Stephanie Fouch; great-grandchildren, Landon, Rachel, Jeffrey, Jordyn, and Jonathan Fouch; and grandchildren, Zachary, Aidan, Piper, Elliot, and Oliver Brown, and Roman and Vivienne Pina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tore and Winnona Johanson; and her grandson, Andrew Fouch.

A funeral will be held on October 23, 2026, at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown, Iowa, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Fundraiser by Dawn Fouch: Ginger's Funeral and Final Resting Costs in her name.

May she be remembered for the joy, companionship, and love she shared with so many.