Obituary: Moddrell, Geraldine F.
She was born April 26, 1933 in St. Paul, MN.
She grew up in St. Paul, MN with her parents, Frank and Sophia Picha; sister, Dorothy and two brothers, Clair and Eugene.
In 1952, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob”, while he was home on leave from his duty in the Air Force.
After a short engagement they were married on January 17, 1953.
They moved to Lake Charles, LA until 1954 when Bob was honorably discharged from the Air Force.
While in Lake Charles, she gave birth to her first son, Charles.
In 1954, they made a move to Pasco, WA, where they also raised another son, John, and two daughters, Joan and Eileen.
Besides being a wife, mother, and homemaker, she worked various part time jobs mostly in the food industry.
She was very involved with St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and School, donating her time as a Room Mother for each of her children’s classes.
She served as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, along with being a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader.
She was also an active member of The Catholic Daughters of America and Altar Society.
In 1976, Gerry and her husband, Bob, moved to Spokane, WA.
During this time she worked as an engraver for B&B Trophy and soon as a cook at Gonazga University.
In 1985, Gerry and Bob moved to their retirement home on Waitts Lake.
In her retirement years, she enjoyed spending time with all her grandchildren.
Because she never could swim, she made sure each of the grandchildren learned how swim.
She would spend hours at the beach watching them play, swim, and fish.
She was always working on crafts or sewing a quilt.
She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Loeffler of St. Paul, MN; brother, Gene Picha and wife Rose of St. Paul, MN; children: Chuck Moddrell and wife Vicki of Pasco WA; John Moddrell and wife Deena of Valley WA; Joan Moddrell of Mead WA; Eileen Bailly and husband Dan of Spokane, WA; nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at St. Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church in Chewelah, WA with Reverend Jeff Lewis officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gerry’s memory to Gentiva Hospice, 22820 E. Appleway, Liberty Lake, WA 99019.