Geraldine (Geri) Bates Pezely passed away at home on Christmas morning from pancreatic cancer. Geraldine was born on August 3, 1945 to Irvin Bates and Ruth Nelson in Rexburg, Idaho. Irvin was killed in Okinawa during WWII. Geraldine was reared by her mother (Ruth) and step-father (Harold Nedrow).

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She grew up on a farm with five siblings: Alice (Bob) Riley, Kerry (Mary) Nedrow, Linda (Neil) Sheldon, Paul Nedrow, and Alan (Becky) Nedrow. She relished her siblings’ triumphs and loved the people and parents they have become.

She met her husband Gerald Pezely at Utah State and they were married on February 15, 1975. They were a perfect team because they always supported one another. Together they had two children: Ryan (April) and Rachel (Trenton Louie). With her kids she loved doing traditions. She carried those traditions on with her grandkids. Her pride and joy were her grandkids (Colton, Madison, Aniston, and Emerson). She made them feel loved, always played with them, and then sent them home with treats.

Geri was always in school. She had a Master’s Degree in Teaching and taught for 37 years. Mainly teaching English and Home Economics at Central High School. She liked being a teacher because that is where she met the best people.

She was warm and witty and made everyone feel welcome. She was the rock of her family. She had a gift with words and emotions. She soothed the discord, celebrated everyone’s victories and showed empathy to all.

Services will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens on 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy UT 84092; with a viewing on Thursday, January 4th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 5th at 11:00 AM. Please join us for lunch after the services.