Geraldine Gerri Ellis

Geraldine "Gerri" Blankenship Ellis, 72, of Omar, passed away Wed., Feb. 25, 2015.Born Dec. 30, 1942, in Gilbert, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late Mack and Janice Blankenship.Gerri graduated from Gilbert High School. While attending nursing school at Stevens' Clinic in Welch, W.Va., she met the love of her life, John D. Ellis. Gerri married John D. in 1963 and became a proud U.S. Air Force wife. Together they traveled all around the world making their home in Macon, Ga., Manila, Philippines, Altus, Oklahoma, Great Falls, Montana before finally settling in Omar.Gerri and John D. enjoyed the love the Lord had blessed them with 52 to years. Gerri was a wonderful mother to Jan. She was a member of the Stirrat Methodist Church since 1978. After her daughter Jan graduated from high school, she worked several years at the WVDHHR in Logan and Boone Counties.Survivors include her husband, John; daughter, Jan; son-in-law, David "Red" Hanlon and grandchildren, Kelsey and Zachary Hanlon; sisters, Josephine Stanskey and husband Daniel of West Palm Beach, Fla., Margie Salazar and husband Omar of Tacoma, Wash., Judy Elkins and husband Danny Sr. of Switzer, W.Va., and Kathy West and husband Fred of Raleigh, N.C. Gerri is also survived by nephews: Henry Batten of Lake Norman, N.C., Danny Elkins Jr. of Raleigh, and niece, Samantha Salazar of Tacoma. Special appreciation to her caregivers, Dorothy Luh and Sue Sheppard, who took care of her and shared friendship with her for six years. Special appreciation to her son-in-law David who never failed to provide support to her. Pallbearers are Rex Crane, Timmy Hooker, Jimmy Hooker, Dewey Ray Conn, Brad Crites, Ricky Workman and Scott Caudill. Special appreciation to Dr. Kathy Harvey, Dr. Rao, along with Dignity Hospice of Chapmanville, Rev. Tom Beckett, Pastor John Godby, Pastor Harold McMillen Jr. and Logan Regional Medical Hospital. Services will be held at noon Sat., Feb. 28, at Nighbert Memorial United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. Collins Funeral Home of Switzer is in charge of arrangements.