Geraldine "Geri" Marcum

Geraldine "Geri" Marcum of La Grande, Oregon died peacefully Sunday, December 22, 2024 surrounded by her family at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise, Idaho at the age of 88.

A service will be held Saturday January 4th, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in La Grande.  Committal and interment will follow at the Grandview Cemetery.  

Geri was born on November 15, 1936 in Alliance, Nebraska, one of ten children born to Lee Vernon and Elsie Marie (Boness) McLaughlin.  The family moved to the Imbler/Summerville area when she was a child then to La Grande where she was raised and educated.  She was married to Samuel Cyrus Marcum in 1952 and graduated with her class from La Grande High School.

Geri was a dedicated member of the Trinity Baptist Church in La Grande.  She enjoyed the outdoors, her yard, flowers, and camping.   She also enjoyed reading, crochet and had been part of a bowling league in her younger years.  However, her greatest love was spending time with her friends and family. La Grande truly was her home and she lived in the same house the past 68 years.  Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall, pulling up in front of her home was the most welcoming feeling for anyone.   Her kitchen was always a warm and welcoming place for all who entered.  Many shared their lives and stories over coffee and whatever treats she had prepared.  She loved going to town and shopping: greeting and visiting with her many friends and acquaintances.  She was a great blessing to many and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Samuel "Chris" & Sherry Marcum of La Grande, John & Laurie Marcum of Alcova, Wyoming;10 grandchildren 31 great-grandchildren and one soon to be born. Siblings Connie Leavitt of Salem, Kate Cochran of La Grande, Ed McLaughlin of Twin Falls, Idaho and Linda Timmons of Newberg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Sam, her grandson Jake, siblings, Maxine, Ivan, Lee and Howard McLaughlin, Darlene Simonis and Marge Riggs.

Contributions in memory of Geraldine Marcum may be made to the Jake Marcum Memorial Scholarship Fund through Daniels, or to Trinity Baptist Church, 2705 Gekeler Lane, La Grande, OR  97850