Geraldine Dennis

Our precious and beloved Granny, Geraldine “Gerry” Dennis, passed away peacefully in her home, as she wished, on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the magnificent age of 98. This home was purchased by Gerry and her husband, Willie, in 1949 in Yuma, Arizona, where she lived the rest of her life.

Gerry was born to James Elmo Robinson and Cary Martina Larsen Robinson February 20, 1923, in El Paso, Texas. She moved to Arizona with her family as a child, and lived in Mesa, Tucson and Phoenix, where she graduated from high school. Gerry was the oldest of 8 children, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

Gerry enjoyed dancing, and even won a dance contest back in the day! She was an excellent baker, being well known for her baked goods, chocolate chip cookies and pies. She was a devoted wife and mother. She lived through the Great Depression and World War II, living on her own while her husband served in the Marines. She was a giver and lived a long life. She had a focus of positive thinking, healthy eating, and staying physically fit. She loved to eat and was known for her love of chocolate, ice cream, Dr. Pepper, and Mr. G’s. She also loved an adventure; eating a nice meal out and going for a car ride in her later years.

Gerry met the love of her life in Phoenix a few years after she graduated from high school, and they eloped and married in Lordsburg, New Mexico. Their first child, Jerald, was born October 23, 1946; Janelle was born January 17, 1948; followed by Jim on July 29, 1952; and, finally, Jay on October 19, 1965.

The family spent summer vacations in the White Mountains, two weeks every summer in August, to enjoy the Monsoon Rains. Camping and enjoying the outdoors was their annual great escape from the Yuma heat. One summer, towards the end of Willie’s life, Gerry and Willie spent 101 days tent camping in the White Mountains.

Gerry worked at J.M. McDonald Co. doing bookkeeping for many years. When Willie fell ill, Gerry made it her full-time job to take the best care of him, until he passed away in 1994. She was very devoted to her family and her LDS religion. She and Willie were sealed to each other in the Mesa, AZ LDS Temple, and their commitment and faith were strong.

Gerry was afraid to fly but took two flights across the Atlantic in the mid ‘90s to Germany to see her son, Jay, and her grandkids.

Gerry loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; family was the most important thing to her, and she was the matriarch and glue of the Dennis family.

Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Dennis; son, Jerald Dennis; and her daughter, Janelle Jones; brothers, James, Bob and Bill. She is survived by two sons, Jim (Kathy) and Jay (Jonna); sisters Ana, Carel, and Millie; brother Frank; 9 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren.

She will be terribly missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the LDS church located at 4300 W. 16th Street, Yuma, AZ. Viewing at 10:00 a.m. Chapel program 10:30-11:30. Graveside service, 1415 S.1st Ave, at 11:30. Reception to follow at the same LDS church.