Mary Ellen Johnson Gerisch passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones on Feb. 2, 2026 at the age of 78.
She was born on July 21, 1947 in Ontario to James Frank Johnson and Mary Ellen Folk.
They moved to Hermiston when she was 5 years old. She attended schools in Hermiston, graduating from Hermiston High School in the class of 1965. Mary then attended Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton and later worked at Umatilla Potato Inc., Lamb Weston and Ron’s Electric.
Mary loved being a mom to her two children, Kim and Bob. She married Ron Gerisch on Sept. 26, 1977, completing her family. Her focus was her home and family. She was a caregiver to all. Mary loved all children but most of all her six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Mary loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many different callings throughout the years, including Relief Society, Primary and Young Women’s.
She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Ronald Lee Gerisch; her daughter, Kimberly Craythorn (Rod); her son, Robert Foster (Robin); her six grandchildren, Bronson Craythorn, Austin Craythorn, Logan Foster (Kylie), Karley Craythorn, Chance Foster and Kynlie Siebert (Hawkeye); and one great-granddaughter, River Foster.
Mary was laid to rest at the Hermiston Cemetery on Feb. 13, 2026. Those who wish may make contributions in Mary’s memory to stjude.org/.
Please share memories of Mary with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
