Obituary: Rhodes, Geraldine

RHODES,
Geraldine

November 22, 1923 - February 16, 2016

Geraldine Rhodes, our much loved mom, sister, aunt, grandma, great grandma, and great-great grandma, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2016, at 92 years old.
Gerry was born to George and Carrie Krous on November 22, 1923, in Spokane, the third of four children.

After graduating from North Central High School, she landed a job mending women’s nylon stockings at The Crescent and then a job as a receptionist at an optical shop before she went to work at Deaconess Hospital, where she worked in medical (birth) records until she retired.
Gerry married Dan Crooks and they had two children, Linda and Butch.

She later married Richard Rhodes and, together, she and Dick shared many good times and adventures during 40 years of marriage.

They went in together with Gerry’s sister and brother-in-law and bought “twin sliver” cabins at Deer Lake, where Gerry spent upwards of 45 summers with her kids and grandkids (and their kids).

At the lake, she was always recognizable by the crazy hats she would wear and was well-known for being the first to ask who was “pouring.”

Gerry and Dick traveled a lot too - to attend Dick’s Navy SEAL reunions or just to get away.

They lived it up in Hawaii, West Virginia, Australia, Singapore, and Thailand.

They also turned into snowbirds and spent several winters in Arizona.

Gerry was always ready to go and do just about anything.

She was very social and had a great sense of humor, which her lifelong friends appreciated.

She was feisty and quick-witted, often dancing a little jig or making a funny face to emphasize her point.

Gerry was also loyal and caring.

She always looked out for her “seester,” especially after Merle moved to Fairwood Retirement Village’s memory care unit, which was just across the foot path from Gerry’s apartment.

She showed the same dedication to her kids.

She was the nucleus of our family, and we were all grateful and happy to spend time with her.

Gerry is survived by her daughter, Linda Love of Spokane; son, Butch Crooks (Francie) of Orofino, Idaho; and sister-in-law, Betty Krous, of Spokane.

She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; brother and sister-in-law, Elmer and Ruth Krous; sister and brother-in-law, Merle and Al Luders; and brother Dick Krous.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 25, at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gerry’s name to Hospice of Spokane.