Ginger Alma Berry Franz's Obituary
Ginger Alma Berry Franz, 83, passed away at home on May 11, 2026, after complications from a serious illness. A beloved sister, wife, mother of five, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of one, she will be remembered for her warm smile, unconditional kindness, and abiding faith.
Ginger was born on November 3, 1942, into a large family in Camden, South Carolina to Ossie and Maxie Berry. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Ginger moved to Utah in 1963 at the age of twenty-one to live with one of her sisters and to be closer to her church community. That same year she met her future husband, Helmut Heinz Deiter Franz, at a church dance and they eventually married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 14, 1965.
Ginger loved traveling, camping, playing card games, and raising her five children, Byron, Karmin, Jared, Travis, and Daren. She also loved gardening, writing, and doing puzzles. After her children were grown and starting families of their own, Ginger and Helmut served two LDS missions together, first in Nauvoo, Illinois (2006-2007), and then in Freiburg, Germany (2014-2015).
Ginger is survived by her children Byron Franz, Karmin Bell (Richard Bell), Jared Franz (Kellie Holloway Franz), and Travis Franz; five grandchildren Isaac Bell (Sarah Bell), Olivia Franz, Kyle Bell, Zaybri Franz, and Lillian Franz; and great-grandchild Ezra. She was preceded in death by her husband Helmut Franz and her son Daren Franz. She was sincerely loved by everyone who was lucky enough to know her and will be dearly missed.
A celebration of Ginger’s life will be held at the LDS Telford Ward Chapel (1834 E Creek Road, Sandy, UT 84093) on Friday, May 15, 2026, beginning with a viewing at 11:00am and service at 12:00pm. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery at 1:30pm.
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