Geraldine Gerry Alice Taylor

Passed away at her home, with her husband by her side, on March 30, 2011. Gerry was born on September 23, 1942 in Burns, Oregon. Her family moved to Roseburg, Oregon where she lived for 50 years. Gerry was employed for 30 years with the State of Oregon holding various social work related positions and retired in 1993. In her youth, Gerry was very involved with horses. She broke, trained, rode, raced and showed horses as well as competed in rodeos. In 1960 she was deemed the "Interstate All-Around Champion" within Oregon, Washington, & Idaho. Gerry also was enthusiastic about playing softball. In her 25 years of playing she won many awards, but her proudest achievement was being selected as an All-State pitcher in her division in the Oregon State Championship tournament in 1983. Some of Gerry's other passions were oil paintings, pencil drawings and photography with natural subjects. Gerry moved to Blue Lake, CA in 1993 when she married Dennis Taylor. Although already retired from the State of Oregon, Gerry took a position at the Open Door Community Health Center as a Front Desk Supervisor for approximately 6 years. Gerry and Dennis enjoyed working together side-by-side on projects to improve their property and create a wonderful environment. They also loved traveling to S.F. Giants games, NASCAR races, and visiting numerous State and National parks where Gerry took great pleasure in photographing scenery and animals. She would sign and frame her favorites and give them to her friends and family to enjoy. Gerry is survived by her husband Dennis; her son Stan (Shari) Spencer and grandchildren Johnny and Randi Spencer of Glide, OR. Her step-children Scott Taylor (Theresa Livingston) of McKinleyville, CA and Tracy R. Taylor of Cutten, CA; her step-grandchildren Lacy Taylor, Bradley and Rachael Livingston; and her cousins Mike McGhee of Cloverdale, CA and John McGhee of Reno, NV. She was preceded in death by her parents Otto and Loretta Garrett, her sister Carol and brother Norman. Many thanks to Dr. Kessler and all the staff at Eureka Internal Medicine. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice in Gerry's name. Services will be held at Paul's Chapel in Arcata 1070 H Street, Saturday, April 9th at 2:00 PM. Reception to follow at Dennis and Gerry's home. Arrangements are under the care of Paul's Chapel, (707) 822-2445. To leave condolences for the family please visit www.paulschapel.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard on April 3, 2011