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). 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.
Geri was a beautiful presence in my life. I especially enjoyed her sense of humor and her wisdom. Geri will be missed so much any gathering. She had a way to make everyone feel loved and appreciated.
I offer my deep sympathy to Geri’s family. May you know peace as you say goodbye.
Blessings of comfort to the family and friends of our sweet Geri. You are missed!
I participated in a prayer group with Geri. Her compassion and love was evident in every instance. She was and continues to be an inspiration for all, her inner light shining and surrounding everyone. Her beautiful legacy continues on! 💕
Rachel and Trenton. I am so sorry for your loss. Especially hard this time of year. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We are so sorry to hear about Geri’s passing. She was a beautiful, wonderful and kind friend! We will miss her happy smile!
God bless your family!
Love you - Greg Peggy Scot and Katie Stevens
Sincere sympathy to Jerry, and the family. R
Our hearts are broken to lose a good kind friend & sweet thoughtful neighbor. Thoughts & prayers are sent to the entire Pezely family.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin Geraldine. She was a beautiful person and always so delightful to be with. I have happy memories of our visits, especially as youngsters. Our condolences to the family for their loss.
Sorry for your loss
To the Bates-Nedrow family, my cousins:
I'm so sorry to hear of Geraldine's passing. I know this will leave a hole in your lives, just as any loss does. I did not know Geraldine well, being among the younger cousins, and also because of my many years in Alaska. But I will always remember thinking "how pretty she is", or "how nice she is". Thinking of you and praying for you all at this difficult time.
Lila
Geri has always been the master of hospitality making everyone who came through her front door fell at home. We will remember her wonderful personality and great sense of humor.
God bless🙏
So sorry for your loss. Glad I got to know all of you a little bit when we came down and stayed when Stella was little.
While I didn’t personally know Geri, I am a friend of Alan and Becky and know that they appreciate and value the relationship of their family. They always looked forward to spending time together each year and I know they are feeling the depths of this loss. Your entire family is certainly in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Dear Gerald, Ryan, Rachel and Family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of Geri. We did not learn of her passing until recently when our son, Michael, told us.
We met her many years ago when we waited with her while Michael, Ryan, and Rachel were taking their karate lessons together. We enjoyed the many hours spent talking and sharing stories with her.
Although it's been many years since we last saw her, we appreciate the time we got to spend with her. We will remember her as a kind, humorous, and gracious woman. We particularly remember how much she enjoyed teaching, and how she touched the lives of so many young students.
Sincerely,
Paul and Sandy Iwasaki