Geraldine Marie Gurley

Our friend Geraldine Marie Gurley LaMonica Melott died Friday, September 15, 2017 at Memorial Hermann/Greater Heights Hospital, Houston, Texas from complications associated with diabetes. She was born October 22, 1947, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Marie “Bonnie” Gubser Gurley and A.L. “Bud” Gurley.

Geraldine “Gerry” attended St. Edwards Catholic Elementary School and Twin Falls High School where she had many fond memories and lifelong friends. She later graduated from The College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho in 1969 with a degree in History. The following year she obtained a graduate degree from the Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management. After completing her graduate degree, Geraldine studied one year in Madrid, Spain. While in Spain, Geraldine and Daniel Melott spent time traveling in Europe and North Africa up until she scheduled a safari in East Africa and then in Iran.

Once completing her studies, Geraldine arrived in Houston, Texas and started working in the banking industry where she eventually became a leading authority in International Letters of Credit and then became a Senior Vice President with BBVA Compass Bank prior to retirement.

Geraldine had a love of travel and wanderlust. After thirty years and many postcards from Daniel, they rekindled their relationship in 2000 and married March 15, 2014. Together they traveled to Latin America , Central America, the Caribbean, East Africa and Europe. Geraldine was always fond of reminiscing about her childhood. Her father was an early partner and developer in Cactus Pete’s, a landmark casino in Jackpot, Nevada. Geraldine remembered her “Sweet Sixteen” birthday when Wayne Newton sang Happy Birthday to her. She always enjoyed visiting her relatives in Gilroy, California and New Mexico.

Geraldine is survived by her loving husband and friend, Daniel and her sister, Shirley Ann Gurley of Kimberly, Idaho. She is also lovingly remembered by her aunts, uncles and many cousins. There has always been a sincere friendship with the family of her deceased husband, Joseph LaMonica of Houston, Texas.

It is fondly said that the telephone was invented for Geraldine - she loved picking up the phone to chat with family and friends. She will always be remembered for her natural ability to reach out to people both deeply and positively. The family asks that you celebrate Geraldine’s life in your own way – sharing stories, toasting to her memory, doing an unsolicited act of kindness for a stranger or just having a good laugh would be most appropriate.