Obituary for Geraldine “Jerry” Heater Geraldine “Jerry” Heater Jan 24, 1933 – Oct 8, 2018 Jerry was born in Mesa, Arizona on January 24, 1933 to Charlie and Bertha Newell. Her parents moved the family to Grants Pass in 1943. She married Sherman Heater on May 24, 1951.
Over the next eight years, four sons, Gary, Dan, Kurt and Russ were added to this young family. For the next four and a half decades, Sherm and Jerry became fixtures at local sporting events as they followed their sons’ and then their grandkids’ careers. Jerry received valuable training as a secretary in her young life.
She obtained her real estate license in the early 1970’s and became Sherm’s full time assistant at Evergreen land Real Estate. In November of 1978, they created and opened their own real estate company under the name of Sherm Heater Inc., Realtors. Located on the corner of 7th and A Street, in what is now known as the Heater Building, they operated a very well respected and successful real estate company until retiring and selling the business to their sons in 2001.
Jerry’s passion was her family; with most of them local, it wasn’t unusual for her to host several events a year with 25-30 people in attendance. Food, fun, laughter and lots of games created a lasting legacy of memories throughout four generations. She enjoyed playing cards, bowling with her friends, puzzles, reading…and knitted miles of yarn over the years into keepsake afghan blankets that family members still treasure.
Music, dancing and traveling were also huge parts of her rich varied life. Skilled in many areas, she will be mostly remembered for her infectious laugh and fun spirit. Losing her oldest son, Gary, unexpectedly in 2005 led her to reaffirm her belief in Jesus and the price He paid on the Cross.
She and Sherm attended Edgewater Christian Fellowship until failing health prevented it. After 60 years of marriage, Sherm passed away October 10, 2011. Son, Russ, also passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in 2013.
Jerry was reunited with them on the evening of October 8th as she peacefully crossed over into Heaven. She leaves behind sons Dan, and his wife, Darcie and Kurt and his wife, Marianne; daughters-in-law, Ellen (Gary) and Leslie (Russ); 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; sister Bonnie Lou Rust; four nieces and their families. After a private interment at Hillcrest Memorial Park, a memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Edgewater Christian Fellowship on Assembly Circle in Grants Pass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Asante Foundation Family House Endowment Fund, 500 Ramsey Ave, Grants Pass OR 97526. To post thoughts or share memories visit www. since1928hull.com.
We want to thank Steve and Keena Self of Black Oak Adult Care for their tender and tireless care for Mom for over 5 years, Asante Hospice for their help in making her last few days as comfortable as possible and a host of family and friends who have supported us with their love.
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