Geraldine Mae Guinn
POLSON — Geraldine Mae Guinn, age 83 of Polson, went home to be with her Lord on October 14, 2011. She was loved and respected by her family and many others. She was born May 2, 1928 in Missoula to Jesse and Minnie Grant. Her family moved to Charlo where she graduated from high school. Soon after graduation she moved to Helena and worked for the OPEA. She moved to Polson a few years later and worked at the courthouse.
She met James Guinn and they married in Polson on September 3, 1949. They have been married 62 years and have enjoyed many experiences and memories. They moved to Spokane, Wash. and lived there for 30 years. They raised the two oldest children in Spokane and this is where Gerri began using her gift of leadership and helping others. They were a member of the Whitworth Presbyterian Church where she was an Elder several times, started and organized successful youth groups and was involved in bible studies, as well as Children’s Ministries. She became very active in her son’s sports life by volunteering and actually started the first parents’ Booster Club at Mead High School for all sports. To this day it is a very active group.
In 1978 Jim and Gerri moved back to Polson for retirement. Their youngest daughter was 12 at the time and went on to graduate from Polson High School. Gerri served as Elder for Polson Presbyterian Church several times. She was involved in many youth activities as well.
She loved to cook and entertain. There was never a stranger in the house. She welcomed anyone and all of her children’s friends as well. She created a sense of family for everyone, which resulted in many wonderful memories. She created this atmosphere for her grandchildren and their families too. The last few years her favorite place to be was on the deck of their home on the lake watching all the family and friends have fun playing on the water, playing volleyball and other crazy antics.
Her cherished treasures were her five grandchildren. Each one of them felt special because she appreciated each individual’s uniqueness. She loved nothing more than to have all the family for holidays and summertime fun. She created many traditions that we still follow to this day. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her.
She is survived by her husband James Guinn, daughters Leeann Murphy of Everett, Wash., Lorilee (Bruce) Kasnitz of Polson and son Larry (Brenda) Guinn and a sister Eldena Buck of Missoula, as well as her five loving grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 22, at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dave Anson officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Hospice care of the Polson Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.
Grogan Funeral Home feels it is an honor and privilege to serve the Gerri Quinn family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
