August 24, 1928 – January 29, 2024 (age 95)
It is with a blend of sadness and appreciation for a life fully lived that the family of Geraldine (Gerry) Anne Orth announces her peaceful transition to Eternal Life on January 29. Gerry was a surprise from the beginning, born twenty minutes after her twin sister Betty on August 24, 1928, as the doctor was packing his bags to leave. Affectionately known as Gerry, Mom, GG, Grandma, or Mumzie, her life was nothing short of remarkable. She was the embodiment of love, honesty, support, and humor, truly a gem to all who met her.
Beginning life in Detroit, Michigan, her family moved to California for her mother’s health when she was a child. Gerry was a remarkable student, great at spelling, and an avid reader. She was athletic, a social butterfly, and fun to be around. In High School, she was active in the Girl’s Athletic Association (GAA). In her Senior year, she was honored to receive the High Point Award in GAA.
After graduating from North Hollywood High School, Gerry began her career with AT&T in the orders and installation department. She enjoyed bowling and participated in many leagues throughout the years. After meeting and marrying the love of her life, Tom, Gerry took a break from the phone company to raise their young family. When she returned to AT&T, her talents and work ethic moved her up to the engineering department as their secretary (aka, the one who knows what’s going on and keeps everything moving smoothly)! Her many years of working culminated in a well-deserved retirement in 1983. As a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, her world revolved around her family. She was active in the PTA, school activities, and as a Girl Scout leader.
Every Grandchild that was born added another sparkle to Grandma’s eyes and filled her with joy. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially the grandkids.
Gerry’s life was not without hard times. Her mother died while she was still in High School, and she endured the unimaginable pain of losing two of her daughters. Shortly before the love of her life, Tom, passed away, he surprised her with a sweet German Shepard puppy he named Rambo! Rambo gave Gerry a reason to get up and out of the house in the morning. She could often be seen walking or just hanging out with her trusty sidekick at a park. Eventually, he was so big, people wondered who was walking whom?!?
After several years, Gerry moved to Utah to be closer to her daughter Sharon. Mom made many friends while walking Rambo and loved chatting with them. Geraldine’s memory will forever be cherished by her loving family. She leaves behind her daughter, Sharon (James) Miller; her grandson, Thomas Miller; granddaughter, Rebecca (James) Reed; grandsons, Jesse (Melissa) Miller and Samuel (Kaelee) Miller; great-grandchildren, Travis, Hailey, Chloe Reed, Jessmya, Ty, and Liberty Miller, Luke and Isabelle Miller, Lilly and Ida Miller. She also leaves behind her sons-in-law Jim Bryg and Ron Richards, honorary daughter Nancy Green, and her lifelong pen-pal and forever friend Westly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Orth; her daughters, Janet (Ron) Richards and Karla (Jim) Bryg; twin sister Betty Snook; and brother Jim Wade.
As we celebrate the rich tapestry of Geraldine’s life, her love and laughter will forever echo in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark.
Please join us to celebrate Gerry’s life at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 East 200 South, Brigham City, Utah, 84302, on Saturday, 10 Feb 2024.
The viewing will begin at 2:00 pm MST, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 pm MST.
The service will also be live-streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/geraldine-orth.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Gillies Funeral Chapel.