Obituary of Geraldine Thompson Parsons

Geraldine “Gerrie” Thompson Parsons, 80, and Olympia resident for 36 years, passed away on December 16, 2006 in Olympia. She was born March 9, 1926 in Dexter, Minnesota to Otis Hiram and Violet Wilma (Russell) Thompson. She graduated class of 1944 from Stewartville High School in Stewartville, Minnesota. Gerrie attended Washington State University in Pullman, Washington for 2 years, where she met her future husband Lowell D. “Zeke” Parsons and became a proud, life-long WSU Cougar. She married Lowell D. “Zeke” Parsons on August 29, 1947 in Richand, Washington. Mrs. Parsons was a Learning Support Para-Educator, Olympic View Elementary School from 1974 through 2000. She and “Zeke” had made there home in Pullman, Washington, (1945-1947), Pasco, Washington (1947-49), Port Angeles, Washington (1950), Monterey, California (1951), Spokane, Washington (1951-1952), Tonasket, Washington (1952-1957), Spokane, Washington (1957-1964), Yakima, Washington (1964-65), Edmonds, Washington (1965-1970), Olympia, Washington (1970-2005). Her last year was spent living in Tumwater, Washington. Gerrie enjoyed books and reading, gardening, travel, politics, history, music, family and friendships. She was a member of the Washington Education Association, North Thurston Education Association, League of Women Voters, and the United Methodist Church. Surviving are a son: Jeffrey D. (Chris) Parsons of Leavenworth, Washington; daughters, Rebecca P. (Bill) Claxton of Olympia, Washington and Melissa P. (Michael) Griffus of Pleasanton, California; a brother, Patrick Thompson of Scottsdale, Arizona and sisters, Patricia Thompson of San Francisco, California and Sally Housley of New Mexico; 3 grandchildren; Joanna Claxton, Sarah Griffus and Daniel Griffus and 1 great-grandchild, Alyse Fisher. In addition to her parents, two sisters, Lois Neble and Donna Jackson, preceded her in death. Gerrie was much beloved by her children. They know they were very fortunate to have had a loving, full-time mother while they were growing up. They were all very proud of her for starting a career teaching remedial reading to elementary school children at Olympic View Elementary School, and were especially proud when she received an award from the North Thurston School District for the quality of her work. Everyone who knew Gerrie liked her. She made friends easily and, despite time and distance, kept her dear friends close throughout her life. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Memorial contributions are suggested to: Friends of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge 100 Brown Farm Road Olympia, WA 98516 Phone: (360) 753-9467 Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation P.O. Box 56 Mercer Island, WA 98040 (877) 980-7500 Booth Gardner Parkinson's Care Center c/o Evergreen Healthcare Foundation 12910 Totem Lake Blvd, Suite 200 Kirkland, WA 98034 Phone: (425) 899-1900. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 13, 2007 at First United Methodist Church in Olympia.