Geraldine Marie “Jeri” Nissen November 28, 1941 – March 21, 2021
Jeri graduated from Point Arena High School in 1958, was engaged to Gary, and they had plans for the future. As often happens, life steps in, and those plans got changed. Like everyone, Jeri enjoyed good times and survived bad times during the next 40 years. A strong and caring person she raised 3 children, was a help to many people, and worked a variety of jobs. She was known as “the cool grandma” to her grandchildren.
In 1999 she and Gary reconnected at a high school reunion and spent the next 21 years together, living in Riverside for 18 months and then moving to Willits. They were married August 12, 2002. During those years they traveled a great deal, often on one of their motorcycles. She overcame her fear of flying and had the opportunity to visit many places in the US, something she had not been able to do before. Rocks from Death Valley and dirt from the Churchill Downs racetrack in Kentucky were among her favorite keepsakes. Bowling, Line Dancing, and tending her flower garden were three of her favorite activities and she excelled at all. She had many friends on the coast and made new ones everywhere she went. The last couple of years were challenging as Jeri developed a form of dementia.
Jeri is survived by her husband Gary, her daughter Joni Murphy, her son Brent Pritchard, grandsons Riley and Mitchell, granddaughters Katie, Rebecca, and Breanna, and great granddaughter Avery.
She is also survived by her sisters, Dana (Ron) Galletti, Tracy (John) DuPont, and many nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles “Irv” & Dolores Ledford, and her son, Mark Kespohl.
She will be missed and never forgotten.
I CRIED WHEN YOU PASSED AWAY, I STILL CRY TODAY. ALTHOUGH I LOVED YOU DEARLY, I COULDN’T MAKE YOU STAY. A GOLDEN HEART STOPPED BEATING, HARD WORKING HANDS AT REST. GOD BROKE MY HEART TO PROVE TO ME HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST.
Jeri's obituary was published in the Independent Coast Observer, Gualala, on November 26, 2021
