Geraldine J. Quimby, 96

Geraldine J. Quimby, 96, died on May 20, 2017, in Longview Hospice Clinic in Longview, Washington.

Geraldine was born on Aug. 28, 1920, in Ballard, Washington, to Lancelot Fothergill and Minnie (Yonke) Fothergill. At age 5 Geraldine lost her father to heart failure. The family then moved to Conrad where her mom met and married Harrison Belew. When Geraldine was 9, her mom gave birth to baby sister Irene.

A few years later the family moved to Kila outside Kalispell where Geraldine attended Kila Elementary and then graduated from Flathead County High School in Kalispell.

After school Geraldine met and married Ray Quimby from Columbia Falls. The couple lived and worked in the area for several years during which time they had three children. The family then embarked on a life of travel throughout the Western states, following Ray’s career of construction with various power-line companies.

Geraldine was an accomplished seamstress, knitter and quilter. Every birthday and Christmas had special gifts for all “handmade by Mom.” Her favorite pastime was growing flowers and her “green thumb” produced beautiful African violets and roses. One violet given to her as a “start” is still growing after 20 years.

Geraldine is survived by her children, Alan (Kace) of Svensen, Oregon, RaeAnn Quimby of Huntersville, North Carolina, and Connie Westerholm of Brownsmead, Oregon; sister, Irene Loveless, of Libby; four grandsons, Shane Quimby (Tammie) of Prineville, Oregon, Jared Greiner (Pam) of Huntersville, Gerritt Westerholm (Shannon) of Svensen, and Jason Westerholm (Tiffany) of Gresham, Oregon; granddaughter, Desiree Frietag of Spokane; nephew, Dennis Loveless, of Helena; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of 67 years.

Geraldine will be dearly missed, never losing her sense of humor and amazing memory.

Per her wishes there will be no service and private interment will be held in Kalispell.

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of St. John’s Hospital in Longview who cared for her with such gentleness and dignity. Also thanks to the Longview Hospice Center for their care as well.

Caldwell Funeral Home was in charge of the final arrangements.

A donation may be made to the charity of one’s choice.