Geraldine Krebs Brown

   Geraldine “Geri” Krebs Brown succumbed to complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) on March 2, 2022 in Eagle Point, Oregon. The oldest of five children, Geri was born October 12, 1942 in Ogden, Utah to John Philip and Clara Neilson Krebs. Throughout her childhood and youth, Geri thrived as a diligent student who loved literature, history, music, art, and writing for the yearbook. A visual thinker and designer, Geri excelled in everything artistic—finding great joy in the process of creating beauty wherever she went. Geri treasured her friends and social life, regaling those around her with her quick wit and intelligent humor. She graduated from Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah in 1960. Having dreamed of seeing the world, some of Geri’s most cherished memories as a young adult were made touring Europe as a Brigham Young University student. Her love of history and fascination with people came alive on that trip, which she could describe in detail her entire life.
    Geri became reacquainted with Brent Brown several years after high school, and they married June 25, 1965 in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They had four children together, thus beginning her lifelong love and devotion to motherhood, her most prized profession. Fierce loyalty to her children defined Geri, as she was a trusted advocate, mentor, friend, and confidante to each of them. Many late nights you could find her at the kitchen table with one or more of the kids, sewing doll clothes for Christmas, discussing friendship ins and outs, or helping to write a parody for a school English assignment, among myriad other examples. She especially relished times of creative collaboration when she could indulge her clever humor;  everyone would hoot and howl into the wee hours over the bantered witty ideas and hilarious “What if …?” scenarios. Even some of her older grandchildren fondly recall late night homework sessions spent in her kitchen, where they delighted in Grandma’s homemade ice cream, worked on crossword puzzles, and giggled over the cartoon collection she had carefully clipped from the newspaper.
    Geri instilled her appreciation of all things music in her children, faithfully shuttling them to all sorts of lessons, recitals, competitions, and festivals all over Utah. Geri maintained an enviable collection of jazz, classical, and other genres of records and CDs that she enjoyed listening to with people close to her. 
   A wonderful cook, Geri will always be remembered for her lovingly prepared meals, especially for occasions like birthdays and holidays when she would carefully plan and prepare a delicious, beautifully presented feast for all who came to dine with the family. She entertained many of Brent’s business associates and friends from around the world with her home cooking. Characteristic of her teaching talents, one granddaughter recalls Geri’s tutoring about how to make her beloved clam chowder, then complimenting her that “It is the best batch I think I’ve ever had!”
    Geri found pleasure in being outside, enjoying bicycle rides with kids to the park, motorcycle trips through the mountains, airplane flights over the sea, and planting and tending lovely flower pots and gardens around her home. Many admired the magnificent flowers she artfully designed and cultivated each summer. 
    True to her faith in God and the gospel of Jesus Christ, Geri served in many callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as long as she was able. Her role as a visiting teacher was especially important to her, and she loved the women she visited. Although she didn’t consider herself any great scriptorian, she continually sought gospel learning and craved new insights as she studied the words of God and the prophets. She thoughtfully shared her discerning inspiration with her family throughout her life.
    Because of her thirst for knowledge, Geri valued all learning opportunities and aspired unceasingly to educate herself from whatever sources she had available to her. She not only attended all kinds of classes and workshops, she voraciously read about diverse subjects. Especially partial to history and current events, if someone had a historical question, she was the go-to source for details. After she and Brent divorced in 1986, Geri returned to study at Utah State University for a few years and excelled in her coursework. Despite not completing a degree herself, she encouraged her children to seek higher education and proudly cheered them on in their chosen professions.
    Above all, Geri cherished her life's work as an advisor, best friend, and counselor to her children as they navigated each new stage of life, whether it was the endless analysis of their dates, nurturing newborns, or communicating carefully during conflicts. Geri always encouraged them to do their best, to be leaders who would make the right choice in any circumstance. Offering both a compassionate shoulder and a listening ear, Geri wanted most for her children to become their best selves.
    Geri loved Cache Valley and her dear friends there, where she lived for nearly 50 years. When she began requiring more help, Geri moved to Medford, Oregon in 2016 to be close to two of her daughters. She was grateful for competent medical doctors, professionals, and caregivers, especially the Schneiders, who helped her through her frightening journey with the rare disease that is PSP. She was preceded in death by her parents, Phil and Clara Neilson Krebs, and brother, John Krebs, and survived by three siblings, Dwight (Martha) Krebs of Clinton, Utah; Roger Krebs of Clearfield, Utah, and LuAnn (Steven) Kofoed of Sandy, Utah, and her four children, Laurie (Jim) Cloward and Lisa (Steven) Burt of Medford, Oregon; Clifford (Rose) Brown of Smithfield, Utah, and Jenny (Jake) Flygare of Kaysville, Utah, along with 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 
    Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Elk Ridge Ward meetinghouse, 1650 East 2600 North, North Logan, Utah, with a viewing prior from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.  The graveside dedication at the Kaysville City Cemetery will be held as soon as attendees can gather after the North Logan memorial service. Memories may be shared with the family at www.whitepinefunerals.com.