Geraldine G. Davis

Obituary G. Geraldine Davis took the hand of Jesus Feb 7, 2008 after reaching her 88th birthday Feb 1 with her family at Franciscan Hospice House. Born Feb 1, 1920 in Lewistown, MO 4th of 6 children, Gerry is again with parents Rosa and R. Walker Marks, sisters Wauna, Kathleen, Junia and brother Bob in heaven. She is survived by youngest brother Karl Marks, Moses Lake, WA and sister-in-law June Marks, Lompoc, CA. She's survived by Marks family nieces and nephews-Judy Farmer, Kathi Young, Cindy Clickner, Jeffrey Raithel, Stanley Marks, Eddie Marks, Karla Swiger, Terri Fisher, Jody Marks and their children. Nieces Carolyn Martin and Sue Young predeceased her. After a 5-month courtship, Gerry married Dallas (Dal) Clark Davis on Feb 1, 1942 after Sunday services at the Baptist Church in Monticello, MO. Dal was born on Christmas, so marrying him on her birthday gave each only 1 celebration day to remember! Just 7 months and 8 days later, Dallas was drafted into the Army, serving in Hawaii for 37 months before they reunited. After celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Dal died from lung cancer and heart disease on Oct 21, 1992. Gerry and Dal are again reunited. In Dal's family, niece Connie Cooper predeceased Gerry, also survived by Dal's sister Mary Ellen Pryor, Farmersville, TX, her wonderful "brood" of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Dal's favorite cousin, Irene McNew, Palmyra, MO. High school valedictorian, Gerry attended NE Missouri State Teachers College, Kirksville, MO and SW Baptist College, Bolivar, MO. College degree was not required to teach during the war years, so Gerry and sister Junia alternated attending college and teaching to pay the other's tuition. Gerry taught elementary school in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois. When these war-time teachers were required to complete their degree, she enrolled at Pestalozzi-Froebel Teachers College in Chicago, graduating in 1970 at age 50-a proud moment for the family. After WWII, Gerry gave birth to their daughter Deanna (Bob) Cleaveland, Tacoma, WA and son Douglas (Nancy) Davis, Lansing, IL. She has 4 grandchildren ?" Kristi (Dave) Grimes, Greeley, CO; Michael Davis, Pahoa, HI; Kevin Davis and Nicholas Davis, Lansing, IL. Gerry and Dal raised their family in MO, IA, IL moving as Dal was promoted by Prudential Insurance. Upon her 1980 retirement from Bannockburn School, IL, Dal transferred to Tacoma and they moved to Gig Harbor, WA. After Dal retired in 1984, both enjoyed golfing at Madrona Links where each experienced holes-in-one. They spent several winters in their Yuma, AZ home. After Dal died, Gerry enjoyed golfing, traveling, gardening, AAUW, PEO. Faithful member of University Place Presbyterian Church, she was a scripture reader and usher. She loved baking cookies for the church and dozens per week for attendees of Deanna and Bob's business financial seminars. Still today, their clients ask about "The Cookie Lady." Gerry was featured with son-in-law Bob in a 1997 News Tribune article about mothers-in-law and with Deanna in a 2005 Money Magazine article about helping elderly parents manage money. In June 2003, Gerry was diagnosed with dementia after a serious fall. Alzheimer's disease not only affected her memory but steadily impacted motor and verbal skills of this active, talkative woman. Her family is grateful for loving care she received living at Bridgeport Place, Clare Bridge and, after a Jan 27 major stroke, at St. Clare ER and Hospital and Hospice House where she shared her last days with her children in peace and comfort, supported by caring staff who guided Gerry and her family through the journey of her death. Thanks also to Drs. Bruce Brazina, James Bales, David Clark, Gil Johnston for their years of care. And to dear Uncle Karl for always being there for Mom after Dad died. Thanks, Mom, from your daughter for leading me to Jesus, clothes you sewed, my thick hair and wide smile, my love of singing and harmonizing, my education and love of reading, the joy of cooking and entertaining, your magnificent roses and beefsteak tomatoes, our beautiful wedding and for loving my husband as a son, for good times in Arizona, Maui, on our Gaither Alaska cruise, for the privilege of becoming your mom in these last years. I love you. Thanks, Mom, from your son for always being there, for always welcoming my friends into our home, for never being too busy to cook for them no matter how many were there, for sitting through all my football games even when the weather sucked, for staying up with me when I was sick and holding me when I was afraid. Thank you for allowing me to get through this day and not be sad, but to be happy for the journey you are about to take and for the memories that will remain with Deanna and me for the rest of our lives. So mom, be peaceful and understand your two kids are okay and that you will continue to smile upon us. Oh, and one more thing-say hello to dad for me and give him a kiss. I know you 2 have lots of catching up to do. Celebration of Gerry's life Friday, February 15, 2008 at 2:00 pm at University Place Presbyterian Church, 8101 ?" 27th St. W., University Place, WA 98466, 253-564-2522. Reception to follow. Memorials to UPPC Music Ministry or Alzheimer's Association.