Gerry Ann (Stanley) Grymes

Gerry Ann Grymes, 81 of Hamilton passed away March 23, 2023 at Discovery Care Center in Hamilton.

Gerry was born September 9, 1941 in Santa Cruz, California the daughter of the late Gerald C. and Margaret E. Bales Stanley.  When Gerry was young her parents were asked if she could be the child model for Sunbeam Bread Company, her father said no. During WWII Gerry’s father flew a B17. He was the only married man on the crew and when it came time to name the plane, the crew voted to name it “The Miss Gerry Ann.”

Gerry’s youth was spent in California, her sister Patty was born 5 years later and Barbara 5 years after that.  They were known in the neighborhood as the 5 and dime girls. She was a voracious reader from a young age and always enjoyed her English classes.  Gerry started oil painting at a young age and was a very skilled artist. Her first job at 17 was as a typist for an attorney.  She spent the rest of her working life as a typist primarily for the Government, the majority of the time for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Gerry married Robert “Bob” Grymes in 1965 in California.  He adopted Gerry’s daughters, Jodi and Leslie, from her first marriage and just over a year later her son, Robert “Tom” Grymes Jr. was born. During their marriage the family lived in California, Texas, Alaska, Virginia, Oregon, Louisiana, Washington, and Montana. As the children were growing up Gerry was active with the kids. She served as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. She made sure that the kids were involved in activities while still working full time. Gerry and Bob also welcomed Gerry’s mother Margaret to live with them for several years while the kids were in school.

In 1986, Gerry was diagnosed with MS following the death of her daughter Jodi.  She kept a positive attitude and struggled with the disease in various ways.  Overall, she coped with her situation very well and remained active in several church groups and with the MS Support Group for many years. While living in Montana Gerry was active in several churches. She is currently a member of the Corvallis Community Church.

Shortly after she and Bob divorced, Gerry’s caregiver, Mary Benson became her roommate.  Gerry and Mary were very active around town and supported each other over their 20 plus years of living together.  When Gerry lost her ability to walk and started to struggle with dementia, she moved to Discovery Care Center where she has lived for the last 5 years.  The staff at Discovery Care Center has provided her with a loving home, fun activities, and the best quality of life that she could hope for.

Gerry was preceded in death by her daughters, Jodi Lynn Grymes and Leslie Ann Lindell Strachan.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Carron) Grymes of Hamilton; grandchildren, Michael (Danielle) Lindell of Eugene, Oregon, Nikki (Peter) Gorz of Romeoville, Illinois, Kyla Grymes of Great Falls, Montana and KaSondra Grymes of Hamilton, Montana; great grandchildren, Maggie, James, and Aradia; sisters, Patty Berry of Ohio and Barbara (Patrick) Waller of California; Uncle Bob Stanley of California; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private family interment will take place Monday, March 27, 2023 at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. A celebration of life service will be held 12 noon September 9, 2023 at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. The family suggests memorials to the Bitterroot Health Foundation to assist with the building of the Cancer and Infusion Center.