Gerri Senter, 88, Troy

Friday, May 9, 2008

Geraldine (Gerri) Senter, aka "Grandma Gerri," passed away Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at her home in Troy, from natural causes at the age of 88 years young.

Grandma Gerri was a grandma to all; she was so loved by all. She often prepared meals for family, family friends and grandchildren's friends, treating them all as her own grandchildren and family. She was always telling or playing nice jokes on someone just for a little fun. Grandma Gerri had a very contagious laugh that forever brought a smile to everyone. She also enjoyed traveling throughout the country to watch her family and friends perform in horse shows, rodeos and basketball games. Gerri cheered for all and had a thumb up for everyone. Yes, she was a coach, referee, seamstress, cook and most of all, an unconditional friend to all.

Some of her most-loved times were spent at "Cow Camp" in Clarkia, where she helped her daughter's family tend to their cattle. At Clarkia, Grandma Gerri prepared meals for family and friends. Oftentimes she would be seen riding the four-wheeler through town, waving at the children as she passed by. She loved driving the trucks and herding the cattle. Grandma Gerri was known as the Cow Camp prankster, which was a big attraction for all.

Gerri was employed at Washington State University for 37 years, where she retired from Cooperative Extensions Publications. Gerri moved to Troy in 1983, where she lived for 25 years. She was proud to be part of her local community and was very active in the local grange hall and senior citizen activities. A special thanks to the people of Troy for making Gerri's stay in Troy so meaningful and enjoyable.

Gerri married Harold (Shorty) Senter of Pullman in 1940.

She is survived by her son, Guy and Gracie Senter of Pullman; grandchildren Roy and Debbie Senter, Tom and Angelia Senter; great-grandchildren Amber Lomax, Amanda Senter, Ashley Senter, Amie Senter, Tucker and Tanner Senter; great-great-grandchildren, Hailey and McKenna Lomax, Riely and Annabell Senter; daughter, Krista and Bob Parkins of Troy; grandchildren Kode and Richard Hansen, Lindsey Parkins, Jennifer Thomas, Anna Scoles, Kris DeTrillio and Jessie Goble; great-grandchild Kenzi Rae Hansen; and cousin, Roy Pile.

Gerri was preceded in death by her husband, Harold (Shorty) Senter; father, Horace; mother, Minnie; brothers, Orval and Bob Bashaw; and sister, Joyce Guske.

We love and will miss you, Grandma Gerri.

A private family graveside service will be conducted Saturday at the Pullman Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to Friends of Hospice, Ronald McDonald House or the Troy Library Fund.

Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman is handling arrangements.