Geraldine Rae “Gerry” Holzapfel Carroll lost her last battle with cancer on Jan. 30, 2022 in her home at the age of 81, surrounded by her family.
She was born on Aug. 12, 1940 to Gail and Georgia McPherson Holzapfel in The Dalles.
She grew up in The Dalles and, as a youngster, danced for the Eleanor Borg tap dancing studio. Gerry and her partner, Eddie Hamilton, entertained lodges and events around the area. When Gerry was a junior, she moved to Sherman County and graduated from “the new Sherman County High School” in the class of 1958. In July 1959, she married her childhood sweetheart, Dwayne Carroll, who was serving in the United States Air Force. Upon his honorable discharge, they purchased a section of land in the Ordnance/Hermiston area and put in some of the very first circle irrigation in Eastern Oregon. In 1965, daughter Jeanne was born, followed closely by son Larry in 1966. Both kids graduated from Riverside High School in Boardman and went on to graduate from Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton.
Gerry’s greatest pleasure in life was caring for her husband and family. Her dreams came true when her son, Larry and daughter-in-law, Vickee started farming the ranch in Hermiston, and her daughter, Jeanne and son-in-law, Joe started farming her childhood ranch in Sherman County.
She truly was one of a kind. Her generous, kind nature and positive attitude helped her to battle cancer multiple times, starting in her mid-20s. She never felt sorry for herself, was always more concerned with the problems of others, and was always there to help when there was a need.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dwayne; daughter, Jeanne and husband Joe Dabulskis, Sherman County; son, Larry and wife Vickee Carroll, Hermiston; grandchildren, Julie and husband Alex Devlaeminck, Sherman County, Tyler Carroll and wife Tessa, Hermiston, Mic Dabulskis, Sherman County and Amy Dabulskis, The Dalles; and three great grandchildren, Aiden, Kinsley and Remy.
Gerry was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Matthew Dwayne Carroll.
A celebration of life gathering will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please share memories of Gerry with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
