Frances "Ginger" M. (Elliott) Aldrich

Munising / Manistique

Frances M. “Ginger” Aldrich, age 70, of Munising and formerly of Manistique, died Saturday, July 22, 2023 at her home, under the loving care of her family and North Woods Home Hospice.  She was born on October 14, 1952 in Manistique, the baby of seven children to the late Chester “Chet” and Frances “Frankie” (Gould) Elliott.  Ginger grew up in Manistique and enjoyed tap dancing as a child.  She graduated from Manistique High School in 1972.  Ginger welcomed into the world her first born son Troy in 1971.  She married Leonard Aldrich on January 12, 1978 and together they welcomed Amanda and Brandy to their growing family.  Ginger worked as a waitress many establishments and took great pride in the service she provided to countless patrons at A&W, Big Boy, Sunny Shores, Harbor Inn, and Branding Iron.  She also worked as a caregiver at Stepping Stone in Manistique.  When Ginger and Leonard moved to Munising around 2013, she started working at Snyder’s Drug store and Family Fare.  She loved her work family at the store and was a cornerstone of the deli.  Ginger enjoyed crocheting and was a great dancer and could polka like no other.  At weddings she would find a dance partner and steal the floor.  She enjoyed taking rides in the woods listening to the Oldies on the radio and sitting in her garage listening to the rain fall.  For not liking it in the beginning, Ginger became a huge NASCAR fan and cheered on Dale Earnhardt, Jr.  She looked forward to yearly trips with Leonard and her kids to Michigan International Speedway to watch races.  The most important thing to Ginger was her family.  She was the biggest cheerleader for her kids and loved every moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband – Leonard Aldrich of Munising; children – Troy (Jennie) Baker of Manistique, Amanda (Adam Tyson) Riggers of Isabella, MI and Brandy (Chad Puckett) Deisenroth of Gaylord; grandkids – Taya (Alex),  Tyler (Ann), Kaleb, Kevin, Bailey (Dale) Michael (Tayler), Alex (Brooke), Alexis (Austin), Isabella, Hudson, Hank, and Bentley; great-grandchildren – Harlee, Julieann, Aliyah, Aria, Colson, Thea, Ryker, Chase, Sage and two more on the way; sister – Nancy Zellner; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Ginger was preceded in death by her parents – Frankie and Chet; siblings – Betty, Chet, Charlie, Mary Jean, and Tommy; and great-granddaughter – Mylie May Marie.

Private family services are being planned for a later date.