Geraldine Lucille “Jerry” Kummert, 72, died at her home in Oak Harbor on Jan. 1, 2005, surrounded by her family following a lengthy battle with cancer. Jerry was born Aug. 7, 1932 in Garnett, Kan., to Lewis Wesley and Eva Myrtle (Rollo) Clabaugh.

Jerry was raised in Garnett, but moved to Ottawa, Kan., while she was in the seventh grade. She graduated from Ottawa High School in 1950 and then worked for several years as a telephone operator in Ottawa.

Jerry’s first marriage brought her to Oak Harbor in 1958. In 1962, she began a career with federal civil service, working aboard Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, first as a telephone operator and then with base housing and finally in personal property. She retired from civil service in 1992 with 30 years of service.

Jerry attended pinochle party at a friend’s home in Oak Harbor in 1979 and she met Alfred W. “Fred” Kummert. She and Fred were married in Oak Harbor April 27, 1979.

Jerry enjoyed golfing, bowling, crafts, fishing, sewing, camping and travel. Following retirement, Fred and Jerry purchased a motor home and began touring the country. They logged more than 35,000 miles in three years and were able to visit each of the 50 states. They also enjoyed camping trips to Lake Conconully and the Glen at Maple Falls in Whatcom County.

Jerry is survived by three children and their spouses: James Steven and Linda Myers of Mountlake Terrace; Karen Lynn and Parks Wright of Oak Harbor and Coleen Diane Brady, also of Oak Harbor and two grandchildren, Randi Lynn Vallencourt and husband Justin of Pax River, Md., and Kellye Ann Myers of Mountlake Terrace. Two brothers, Oscar Clabaugh of McLouth, Kan., Delmar Hawley of Parsons, Kan., and one sister Nadine Kirkpatrick of Wichita, Kan. also survive. Her husband Fred preceded her in death Dec. 1, 2004.

Jerry requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. Memorials may be made to Friends of Home Health, 101 N. Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.