Jenny Gardner Nelson: Kim Delaney's wildly popular alter ego was killed off in 1984 when her character fell victim to nefarious Tony's attempt to do in Jenny's husband, Greg. Ten years later, a tornado ripped through Pine Valley and nearly killed Jenny's brother, Tad, so her ghost showed up to encourage him to fight for his life. Aiding her in her mission: the ghosts of one of Tad's surrogate mothers, Nola, and his late best friend, Jesse. Working against Jenny was her and Tad's late, abusive father, Ray. In the end, though, Jenny's team prevailed and Tad survived.

Ray Gardner: This evildoing dad, who died in 1982, has haunted his descendants — son Tad and stepson JR — on multiple occasions, most notably in 1994 (see Jenny). Ray also popped up in 1999 and 2001, not so much to provide solace as to stir up trouble. Happily for those who received his visits (which also included the just-passed Gillian in 2001), Ghost Ray didn't stay long.

Jesse Hubbard: After Jesse, who was felled by a bullet in the line of duty in 1988, came to Tad's rescue in 1994, his ghost made a return trip to Pine Valley in 2001 to give guidance to Gillian Andrassy Lavery, who was having difficulty accepting that it was her time to ascend to heaven. Ghost Jesse also put in some quality time with best pal Tad, natch.

Gillian Andrassy Lavery: Ah, yes, Gillian. She met her maker in June 2001, but her apparition lingered for a while, unable to relinquish the idea of living happily ever after with Ryan. A bevy of one-time Pine Valley residents — Jesse, Jeremy Hunter, Natalie, Harold the dog, Cindy Chandler, Travis Montgomery — all did their best to help Gil accept her demise. After entering Opal's host body to share one last kiss with Ryan, Gillian made peace with her fate and went heavenward.

Dixie Cooney Martin: In January 2007, Dixie died after consuming poisoned pancakes that the Fusion-hating Satin Slayer (later revealed to be Alexander Cambias, Sr.) meant to be the last meal of her daughter-in-law, Babe. Viewers never got to see Dixie reunited with her long-lost daughter, Kate, but before making her final exit, Dix's spirit made contact with the little girl, who had recently entered the Pine Valley scene as Kathy, Julia's ward.

Natalie Hunter Dillon: Dearly departed Nat passed away in 1993 after a horrible car crash. But in 1997, her ghost showed up just when Natalie's son, Tim, needed her most. The misguided teen had run away from home, despondent over Trevor's relationship with Janet, and was jumped by some hooligans — but Ghost Nat chased them away. Once she had Tim's attention, she gently made him see that returning home (and making peace with Janet) was the right thing to do. Later, Nat appeared to Janet (to bless Janet's marriage to Trevor) and also to help escort the Dillon family pet, Harold, to the Other Side. In 2001, Natalie was part of the crew that welcomed Gillian to heaven.