Obituary: Oppie, Ada Geraldine (Stinson)
Age 90
Jerrie was the youngest of 11 children born to Benjamin F. and Nora L. Stinson on March 2, 1923 in St. Claire Co., Missouri.
She grew up on a farm outside of Dunbar, Nebraska.
Jerrie married the love of her life, Chester L. Oppie, on June 28, 1942 just before he was deployed to service in India, during World War II.
Jerrie and Chet were together for 69 years, until Chet’s passing in 2011.
Jerrie and Chet moved to Spokane Valley in 1952.
Jerrie went to work at GE Supply, where she was employed for 40 years.
Jerrie was an animal lover, her pets were her “children”.
An avid bird watcher, she is known at Good Samaritan Village as the lady who maintains the bird feeders and the wildlife feeding station, out behind her cottage.
Chet and Jerrie’s love of animals, led them to go on a Safari in Africa, the “trip of a lifetime” and to attend the horseraces at Playfair.
They quickly became horseracing fans and race horse owners.
Their stable of talented race horses included the popular Stake Horses, Kaye de Mascus, Sea Mystique, and Deceitfully.
Jerrie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chester; her parents, and 10 siblings.
She is survived by her niece, Barbara Kearns-O’Donnell of Sparks, Nevada; nephews, Kenneth Gilson of Lincoln,Nebraska, Jim Walters of Chatsworth, California, Gene Gilson of Papilion, Nebraska; and many dear friends.
An informal celebration of Jerrie Oppie’s life will be held at the Community Center at the Good Samaritan Village on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers please donate to an animal welfare or wildlife charity of your choice.