Geraldine Joan Stephen

Geraldine Joan Stephen (Day) was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in 2021. She died July 13 at her home outside Ontario, Oregon, at the age of 91.

Gerri was born to Howard and Hazel Day on October 29, 1934, on a farm near Grand Island, Nebraska. In 1937, the family moved by Model A Ford to Wilder, Idaho. During WWII, Howard enlisted in the Army, so Hazel, Gerri, and her sister, Sandy, moved to Nebraska to live with relatives. After the war, they took over Howard's father's homestead on Lytle Blvd.

Gerri met James in 1950 and they were married on Christmas Day, 1951. Gerri finished high school, and James returned to Texas to finish his Air Force training. He was stationed in San Bernardino, California, where Cathy was born in 1953. In 1954, James was stationed in Japan. Gerri returned to Nyssa. Debbie was born in 1954 during his absence. Upon his return in 1955, they settled in Ontario. Lonnie was born in 1957.

Gerri was very active in PTA, Brownie Scouts, and other clubs. James joined the Oregon State Police in 1961, and the family moved to Burns. Gerri started her career as a medical receptionist at the Burns Clinic, where she was employed until she and James moved back to Ontario in 1975.

Since they had built their home in Burns, they decided to build their home near Ontario with a view of Malheur Butte. Nearly all of the work on both homes was performed by themselves, so it took some time to complete.

Gerri met Dr. Synder during an office visit for James. When he discovered her previous job, Dr. Synder convinced her to work for him. She eventually became their office manager and developed a wonderful friendship.

After retirement, Gerri and James traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, and New Zealand. Gerri was an oil painter and stained-glass artist. She was deeply involved with her community, Butte Baptist Church, and the Malheur County Historical Society.

James preceded her in death in 2022. She is survived by her daughters, Cathy Stephen and husband Doug Worley, Debbie Howden and husband Gene, and son, Lonnie Stephen and wife Lissa; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held August 1 at 2:00 p.m. at Butte Baptist Church.

Memorial donations may be made to Butte Baptist Church, 3848 Butte Drive, Ontario; Malheur County Historical Society, P.O. Box 691, Ontario; or Blood Cancer United online.