Thelma Geraldine “Geri” Oster passed away while traveling in Washington state on Dec. 26, 2025, joining her husband and two daughters. She was born at home on Oct. 20, 1932, to Thelma and Wiley Gordon in La Grande, and was raised in Elgin.

At age twenty-three, while attending Eastern Oregon Normal School, she met the love of her life, Arlie Oster. Geri majored in secretarial science. After their marriage, Arlie left for Korea with the Army while Geri remained stateside. When he returned from service, they moved to Eugene so Arlie could attend the University of Oregon. During those years, Geri worked in the U of O athletic department. They became lifelong Duck fans.

Their first daughter, Nancy, was born in Eugene. The family later moved to Portland, where Arlie began his accounting career and their second daughter, Diane, was born. After a few years, they settled in Harney County, where Arlie became controller at Edward Hines Lumber. Geri devoted herself to caring for her growing family, a full-time calling she embraced wholeheartedly. She later worked part-time as a tax-season secretary for Arlie’s CPA practice in Burns. In 1970, their youngest daughter, Adriene, arrived, bringing even more joy into their home.

Geri and Arlie built deep roots in Harney County. They could always be found supporting their daughters at summer swim meets, tennis and track events, volleyball and basketball games. Both were active in civic life, including the Lions Club’s tree-planting scholarship fundraisers. Geri was a dedicated member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, where she especially loved the Christmas programs.

Geri published seven books documenting historical gravesites in Harney County, benefitting the Harney County Historical Society working alongside Mary Salsbery, Jennie Stearns, and daughter Diane. She was also a founding member of P.E.O. in Burns and continued her involvement after moving to Baker City and later Grants Pass.

Geri loved to travel. She and Arlie explored Europe, Mexico, Canada, and Alaska. She also traveled with her longtime friend Jane to Italy and Panama. After Arlie passed, Geri continued to be adventurous. With her favorite companion, Annie (Norwich Terrier), by her side, Geri was independent and learned to drive their RV, wintered in Yuma, Arizona, and joined Loners on Wheels campouts for several years.

 Geri moved to Baker City to be near Adriene and her family. She spent extended time in Anacortes with Diane’s family, cheering at countless volleyball games. Eventually, she and her little Yorkie, Whiskey, settled in Grants Pass, where she lived independently at Countryside Village for the rest of her life. There she formed close friendships, stayed active, and even played on the traveling Bean Bag Baseball team.

Geri is survived by her daughter, Nancy Oster-Courtney (Dave); son-in-law, Steve Courtney, grandchildren, Kristen, Travis, Ryan, Linsey, and Mackenzie, Adriene’s extended Hamilton family, Brett and sons, Thomas and Sam; eleven great-grandchildren; her brother, Morton Gordon (Beverly); her sister, Jean Sorenson; sisters-in-law, Kathy Oster and Betty Oster; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlie; and her daughters, Diane Oster-Courtney and Adriene Oster.

In lieu of flowers people can donate to Harney County Historical Society or local PEO chapters.

A graveside service for Geri will be held at the Burns Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 21, starting at 11 a.m.