Geraldine "Jeri" Mae (Presley) Johnston

Geraldine (nickname Jeri) Mae Presley Johnston, 94, of Yakima, WA., passed away peacefully at her home on October 3, 2025, after a bout of pneumonia. Her loving caregivers, Beth Lockwood and Vanessa Syfert, cared for Jeri in her final days as though she was family, which gave the family reassurance and peace. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, her presence will be deeply missed.

Geraldine was born at home in Hiwasse, Arkansas on February 10, 1931 to Fern and Otis Presley. She had two brothers Dean and Jack Presley, both now deceased. When Jeri was three the family moved to Nebraska, then to Yakima at age 11, where her father worked various jobs as a laborer and her mother worked as a clerk at Browns Pharmacy. All three children graduated from Davis High School. During her high school years, she worked as a clerk at Newberry’s, a 5 and dime retail store, and then at the local movie theatre. While working at the theatre one day taking tickets, a handsome young man driving a red convertible noticed the dark haired beauty and started conversing with her. And thus, the beginning of a romance with Lawrence Robert Johnston, a fella from Moxee.

An opportunity presented itself, for Jeri to go to the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Yakima at no cost. She was thrilled at the idea of becoming a nurse, so at age 18 she left home and moved into the dorms. Jeri was impressed with how intelligent and ambitious Lawrence was. After dating for two years, they decided to get married. Nursing school had to wait. The marriage took place at the Nazarene Church in Yakima, October 28, 1950, and was a joyous occasion. They bought 160 acres on Independence Road north of Sunnyside which included a small two bedroom, 1 bath house built in 1948. Lawrence grew wheat, potatoes, asparagus, mint, and grapes. Their farm had horses, cows, pigs, and chickens, and there was never a lack of things to be done. Jeri was a very ambitious woman and managed caring for the house and yard, helping Lawrence on the farm, and sewing. In 1952, Linda Kay was born, followed by Cheryl Ann 1953, Janet Lynn 1954, and Debra Jean 1955. The family enjoyed waterskiing, fishing, and gatherings with friends and family. They attended the First Presbyterian Church where Jeri taught Sunday School. In 1964, Jeri went back to nursing school at St. Elizabeths, driving back and forth, and studying late at night because of her family. Graduation was in 1967. She worked at the Osteopathic Hospital in Sunnyside, Dr. Swofford’s office, and Hillcrest Nursing Home as Director of Nursing. She received numerous awards in her role as Director of Nursing and was admired and respected by the community. In 1992, Lawrence sold the farm, and they moved to Yakima. Jeri served as Director of Nursing and consultant at Emerald Crest for a few years before and after the move. A cabin at Rimrock Lake where they liked to fish was bought and all the family got to enjoy it and the outdoors. They also travelled abroad to Europe, China, Mexico, and Hawaii. Lawrence passed away May 15, 2013 and Jeri moved into a smaller house in 2015, which she loved and lived in for the remainder of her life.

Geraldine is survived by her daughters Linda Kay (spouse Jim Fontana), Cheryl Startup (spouse Dave Startup), Janet Hutchinson (spouse Ron Hutchinson), and Debra Wurz (partner Bruce Phillippi); grandchildren Lindsey Virdell, Jennifer LeBaron, Seth Startup, Mandy Startup, Chad Hutchinson, Misti Widerspoon, and Shane Heberlein; and 10 great-grandchildren and her friend Jim Gadsden.

A visitation will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home from 3:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The funeral service, followed by the reception, will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, 3001 Terrace Heights Dr, Yakima, WA 98901.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at keithandkeith.com for the Johnston family.