Geraldine (Gerry) Willson Griffin McKeen, 89, of Columbus, MT passed away on August 4, 2014 at St. Vincent Hospital, Billings, MT surrounded by family and close friends.
Gerry was born in Miles City, MT on November 12, 1924 to Lionel and Esther Heaton Willson. She grew up on a ranch in the Pine Hills near Miles City. She loved that area and had so many wonderful stories and memories of riding her horses, and trying to be just as tough as her three brothers. She received her education at a local country school and her high school years in Miles City, MT. It was there that she met a handsome young man, Jimmy Griffin. On March 30, 1945 they were married. Just a few weeks later, Jimmy was called to serve his country. Gerry and sister-in-law Maxine May accompanied him to California when he was deployed to the Philippines. Gerry and Maxine stayed in California working in the factories like “Rosie the Riveter”. When Jim’s Navy tour ended he returned to Miles City where he and Gerry started their ranching career which they did for the next 30+ years. In 1948 they bought their first ranch near Ekalaka, MT. They sold that ranch in 1955 and bought a ranch at Belfield, ND, where they lived until 1977. After Jimmy’s death in 1979, Gerry moved to Joliet, MT to be near her mother and her two children, Gail and Lynn and their families. In 1985 she married Norman McKeen and moved to Columbus, MT where she had been living at the time of her death.
Gerri loved to dance, travel and socialize in the local casinos, which she and Norm did often! She also took great pride in her home, garden and lawn. A weed never stood a chance with her. Just this May she took her mean, green, mowing machine out for one last tour of her yard. She is going to be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Gerry is survived by her two children, Gail Stevens (Norm) and Lynn Griffin (Amiee), eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; bother-in-law Buford Griffin , Sisters-in-law Phyllis Griffin, Ona Lee Willson and Maxine May.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, brothers Norman H. Willson, John L. Willson, and Ed Willson.
“The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.”
Family will receive friends on Monday, August 11, 2014 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A luncheon will follow at The Parlor, 1806 Main. Interment will be held at the Knowlton Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 11, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 12, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 11, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 12, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Warren Mary and Jimmy Willson says
Gail and Lynn You are in our prayers. We will see you soon.
connie and glenda redmond says
we are so very sad as you mourn your moms passing what a gal and to be priviledged enough to have her in my life…………..c u soon also
Kelly and Marilyn Fugere says
Lynn,Gail and Family’s, You are in our thoughts and prayers, so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. It was a privilege to have known Jerry!
Laura & Bud says
Gerry was a beautiful lady inside and out and we loved her.
Aaron & Dream (Redmond) O'Brien says
Treasure your memories!!! You are in our prayers.
MarilynBennett Nagel says
I’m so sorry to hear about Gerry. I remember her when I was a little girl but haven’t seen her in years. Uncle Lionel and my grandmother where brother and sister. When hearts are empty, filing it with happy memories can help.
Sue and Jerry Nelson says
Gerry was not only our neighbour but also our friend. How fun it was to visit with her. She was a store house of memories of a life well lived. We will miss seeing her on her riding lawn mower and sitting on her porch taking in the view. She was a dear lady and one we are glad of having the privilege of knowing and loving.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Geraldine Willson Griffin McKeen – It was never the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). In the Bible death is called an “enemy” (1 Corinthians 15:26). May God give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I hope that you are consoled by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Scott OConnell says
My thoughts and sympathy are with you. Also lots of good memories in my past when growing up as close neighbors and friends. Sincerely, ScottO
Sherri Black says
I had the honor of meeting Gerri at my son’s wedding (Jimmy & Lindsey) She was charming, funny and quite the Lady. My heart goes out to her family. The Bible says “Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord” May your wonderful memories of her help heal your heart! Sherri Black
Larry & Judy says
What a great lady to know, her and Norm would play the machines at the Atlas and Bowling Alley here in Columbus and always had a smile and a nice word to say, We will miss Gerri and we also miss both her and Norm for their “Howdy” whenever you saw them.
Steve and Debb Weninger says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry for your loss.