Geraldine Ann West

Geraldine Ann West, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Palouse, Wash., on Friday, October 6, 2023, with her loving family by her side. She was born June 17,1929, in Cle Elum, Wash., to Paul and Bessie (Porter) McBride, the second of four children. Gerry graduated from Rosalia High School with the class of 1947. Her dad was a schoolteacher, so she also attended school and lived in Cle Elum, Spokane, Wilbur, Mabton, and Milan, Wash. Gerry met Lyle at a Grange Hall dance in Pine City, Wash. They married shortly after Gerry graduated from High School on June 28, 1947. They were married for 65 years. Gerry and Lyle lived in Palouse, Wash., for most of their married life with stops in Rosalia, St. John, Thornton and Ewan, Wash. Gerry moved a lot.

Gerry was a member of the Palouse Federated Church, as well as Xenodican and PEO clubs. Gerry was the epitome of a homemaker. She did it all. The house was always clean, homemade meals always prepared, with a beautiful yard and garden. She was also Lyle's truck driver in harvest. The kids remember her multi-tasking by snapping bean and driving truck at the same time. She loved to craft, making many beautiful things. She did all this while raising five rambunctious kids that never left the house without being pressed and polished. Gerry and Lyle enjoyed their weekly pinochle games with their friends Boyd and Arlene Beeson.

Gerry's faith was very important to her. She loved attending church and bible study.

Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle, parents, Paul and Bessie McBride, brother Larry McBride and daughter-in-law Amy West. She is survived her sister Betty Hennessey of Spokane, Wash., and brother Bob McBride of St. John, Wash. Also surviving are her five children, Doug (Diana) West of Colfax, Wash., Kathie Schutz of West Jordan, Utah, Cindy (Bruce) Allert of Rosalia, Wash., Jeff West, and Larry (Londa) West of Palouse. She was the proud grandmother of Tori West and Ali Kates, Simeon, Matthew and Ben Schutz, Ariel Schultz, Sierra Hoffman and Tristan West, Justin Sexton, and Ty West. She was the great grandmother of Nathan and Emma Schutz, Cailin, Caidin, and Noah Schutz, Savannah and Sadie Sexton, and Hugo and Levi Schultz.

Gerry spent her final days watching sports, the traffic on the highway, her hummingbirds and flowers with her constant companion and guardian Hank (formerly Jeff's dog) by her side. Gerry's family is thankful that they were able to keep their promise that Gerry would be able to be at home until the end with the support of Jeff and Gentiva Hospice. There will be a memorial service conducted by Kramer Funeral Home to celebrate Gerry's life at the Palouse Federated Church on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Corey Laughery officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m., before the memorial service at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given to the Palouse Federated Church, Palouse EMT's, and Gentiva Hospice.