Geraldine Lee 'Gerry' Gibbs, 88
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 year, 8 months AGO
Geraldine Lee “Gerry” Gibbs, 88, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully April 21, 2023, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Gerry was born Sept. 28, 1934, in Raton, N.M., to Chris and Meda Lee (Byram) Fettas. As a young child, Gerry moved with her parents and older sister, Renee, to Santa Fe, N.M., and later to Clayton, N.M. She graduated from Clayton High School in 1952.
Gerry married William Kirk “Kirk” Gibbs on April 19, 1954, in Clayton, N.M. After their marriage, they lived in Albuquerque, N.M. In 1961, Gerry and Kirk moved to Steamboat Springs, Colo., where they owned and operated the Riverbend Lodge. Upon moving to Salida, Colo., in 1973, Gerry co-founded First Colorado Land Office. Kirk and their son, Chris, later joined the company. Together, they built a premier real estate company that continues to operate today.
Throughout her life, Gerry dedicated countless hours to serving others. An avid supporter of education, she worked for the Friends of the Salida Library and was a long-time member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Sisterhood. When she moved to Hayden, Idaho, in 1996 she became an active member of Cancer & Community Charities (3Cs) and volunteered at the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce.
Gerry was a gracious hostess who warmly welcomed family and friends into her beautiful home. A passionate cook, she specialized in dishes that celebrated her Greek and New Mexican heritage. Her roasted leg-of-lamb and flat enchiladas were legendary. Gerry enjoyed family gatherings and we have many fond memories of summer barbecues, picnics featuring Greek shish kebab, and beautiful holiday meals. One of Gerry’s favorite hobbies was gardening. She took great pride in maintaining a meticulous yard and was well-known for her stunning rose garden.
After Kirk died in 2001, Gerry and her sister, Renee, became frequent traveling partners. They embarked on many adventures throughout the U.S. and abroad. However, Gerry’s favorite destination was always the American Southwest. As a New Mexico native, Gerry held a lifelong love of Southwestern culture, food, landscapes and brilliant blue skies.
Gerry will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and love of family. She always put the needs of others above her own. She will be deeply missed by us all.
Gerry is survived by her sons, Bill (Julie) of Hayden, Idaho, and Chris (Patty) of Post Falls, Idaho; her grandchildren, Andrea (Charlie) of Portland, Ore., and Stephen (Alicia) of Post Falls, Idaho; and great-grandchildren, Baylor, Oliver, and Hudson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kirk; her youngest son, Scott; her sister, Ann Renee Steele; and her parents.
Gerry will be cremated and there will be a small family ceremony at Fairview Cemetery in Salida, Colo., at a future date. She will be laid to rest with Kirk and her son, Scott.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Hospice of North Idaho, Schneidmiller Hospice House for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of North Idaho (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org).
Please visit Gerry’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.