Obituaries

Eugenia Joyce “Ginger” Rood, age 89, of Union, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, with family at her bedside.

Ginger was born on June 9, 1936, in New Orleans to Fernand Croze Espiau and Mary Maria Espiau. At the age of seven, her family moved to the Panama Canal Zone, a place that would forever shape her spirit. Proud to call herself a “Zonian,” Ginger enjoyed an idyllic childhood filled with adventure—motorcycles, a menagerie of beloved pets, and explorations through the Panamanian rainforests. It was there that she met
the love of her life, Loren Kenneth “Ken” Rood, in 1953. They were married on February 21, 1955, beginning a partnership that would span nearly seventy years.

A devoted homemaker, mother, and volunteer, Ginger gave freely of her time, creativity, and heart. She led Girl Scout troops, created butterfly gardens for local parks, and generously shared her talents—sewing, cake decorating, stained glass, and ceramics—for countless charitable causes. Her love of birds began in the Canal Zone, but her devotion to animals extended far beyond. Alongside her beloved horse, Jody, Ginger was active in the Fort Clayton Riding Club and, in 1968, founded the Isthmian Show of Champions, an annual fundraiser benefiting the Shriners.

In 1975, Ginger and her family relocated to Kentucky, eventually settling in Union in 1984. There, her lifelong commitment to animal welfare flourished. She volunteered with the Boone County Animal Shelter and was a founding member of Friends of the Shelter
(FOTS), advocating for adoption and the humane treatment of animals through spaying and neutering initiatives. In 1988, Ginger received her first wildlife rehabilitation permit, launching her extraordinary legacy as “The Bird Lady of Northern Kentucky.” Over the next decades, she lovingly rehabilitated more than 10,000 sick, orphaned, and injured songbirds—a calling she faithfully served until her final days.

Ginger was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ken. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Laura “Karen” (Hugh) Ramsey and Loren “Kenny” (Cathy) Rood; grandchildren, Lisa (John) England, Shawn (Jessica) Ramsey, Troy (Risa) Marchand, Janelle (Zach) Kleiner, and Cat Rood; and nine cherished great-grandchildren—Caison, Easton, Liam, Finley, Sloan, Isaac, Gabe, Anabelle, and
Evelyn. She is also survived by her siblings, Claudia “Tibby” Donie and Fernand “Brother” Espiau, Jr., and by her devoted canine companions, Sadie and Squirt.

A celebration of Ginger’s life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ginger’s honor to two organizations especially close to her heart: the ASPCA or the Northern Kentucky Bird Club.