Geraldine “Gerri” Abshire was born on May 25, 1942 in Red Lodge, Montana, lived a beautiful life, and passed away on April 14, 2020 at 9:20 PM at the Community Nursing Home in Anaconda, Montana. The cause of death was due to natural causes.
Due to COVID19 rules, she was not allowed visitors in the nursing home and passed away alone. Shortly after being informed of her passing, her husband and only daughter were allowed to visit with her. Geraldine had been in ill heath since March of 20019 and was in home care until December of 2019 when she was admitted to a nursing home for professional care.
Gerri was the second daughter of Gerald Henning Peterson and Margaret Elizabeth Krum. Her family later moved to Butte, Montana where she grew up and graduated from Butte High School. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Vires, of Butte. Sorrow soon struck and her husband was taken from her in a mining accident.
Gerri joined the US Army in July of 1969 and served 3 years assigned to USASTRATCOM PTS in Washington, DC. She received an Honorable Discharge after serving her time supporting our country.
After leaving the army, Gerri moved to North Carolina to seek employment and be near her younger sister, Linda. While in North Carolina, Gerri was employed by Brown and Root as a secretary for the QA & QC department. This was where she met the love of her life, Maison, her current husband.
After completion of the assignment in North Carolina, she and Maison moved to San Francisco, California, worked there for a while, then off to Canada for a two-year assignment. From there to Louisiana for a project, then off to Turkey for a four-year assignment. From Turkey back to New Jersey, then to Venezuela, from Venezuela back to Louisiana for another project and, finally, tired of living abroad and on the move, she settled back down in Butte.
Gerri was never a selfish person and tried to help anyone in need, be it family, friends or just someone in need. She donated to all charities and was just a fantastic person.
Gerri was proceeded in death by her first husband, Thomas Vires, her father, Gerald Henning Peterson, mother, Margaret Elizabeth Krum and brother, Gary Lee Peterson.
Gerri leaves behind her husband, Maison Abshire, and only daughter, Anastasia Nola Kurilich, a son-in-law, Marco Kurilich, two grandchildren, Josephine Kurilich and Jera Kurilich, four sisters, Cecilia Bender of Canyon Ferry, Montana, Mae Mattern of Canyon Ferry Montana, Linda Vereen of Southport North Carolina and Luciene Ellingson of Butte, Montana.
No funeral services are scheduled because of the COVID19 epidemic. Cremation services will be carried out by Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services in Butte. The family asks that no flowers be sent due to the current situation. As soon as the virus pandemic allows, a memorial service will be held in her honor and the final resting place will be in the Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrsion, Montana. Arrangements will be announced when finalized at a later date.
The entire family would like to extend their thanks to the nurses and staff of the Elk Horn Nursing Home in Clancy, Montana, The Deer Lodge Health and Rehabilitation Center of Deer Lodge, Montana and the Community Nursing Home in Anaconda for their kindness and care extended to Gerri during her stay in these facilities.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Gerri.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Gerri and her family.
Janel Walks says
My deepest sympathy to Uncle Joe, Ana and family. Aunt Prin will be greatly missed. Send loves and hugs from My family to yours.
Theresa McElroy says
So many prayers and hugs to your family for your loss!
Mike Abshire says
Hi Uncle Maison,
So sorry for your loss. Just know you are in our prayers. Carol and I love you.
Mike
Charlene Messick says
I am so very sorry to read of Prin’s passing. Although it’s been many years since I’ve seen her, I always remember her with that cute little smile and the twinkle in her eye. Know you all are in my thoughts tonight.
Char
Margie Grant says
To Ana and Joe, I am very sorry for your loss and I am sending hugs. Keep your memories close to your heart, the love will live forever. I have such special memories of Aunt Gerri and her fun and loving ways! I still have my “Wishing Pennies” she gave me that always brought a smile to me! She was a special gem and a wonderful Aunt!
To her 4 sisters: my Mom, Cecelia, Linda, Mae, and Cene, I know you all loved her so much, keep your memories of her close and smile as you think of her.
Margie and Family
Diane says
We are so sorry to hear of her passing. What a bright star she was on this earth. Prayers of comfort to those who loved her most. Skip and Diane Snyder
Shana Beyer Hostetler says
Ana, I am so sorry for your loss. It is funny what one does and does not remember from childhood, but one person I remember is your mom. Losing a parent is never easy. You are in my thoughts.
Cathy Redfern says
Anna, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. I am very sorry for the loss of your dear mother.
John Willard says
I was Geris’ stylist for some years in the late 80’s , I was doing her hair at the Upper Cut Salon once and she asked how everything was so I shared about my Washer breaking down I think I did a haircut and then she wrote me a check for like $350 dollars , I told her I couldn’t except that she said well I might have to find a new stylist then. End of story , I excepted the check , my Sincere condolences to Joe and Anastasia. rest in peace my friend.
Kim and Jim Salmonsen says
Ana and family… so very sorry for the loss of your mother. I will keep you close to my heart and in my thoughts and prayers
Emoily Mae Rebish says
Anna and family. I loved your mom, and will need to go to lunch as soon as this is covis 19 is over. We are having a grave site funeral today . Love you lots