Obituary of Geraldine Roberta Khater

Geraldine Roberta Khater

July 29, 1947 - November 18, 2017

Geraldine Roberta Khater, known to so many as Dolly, was called to heaven on 11-18-2017 at the beautiful age of 70. Dolly passed at the home of her daughter in La Center, Washington; peacefully, surrounded by all her family and loved ones.

Geraldine was born July 29, 1947 in Portland, OR; and was raised in Sweet Home, OR. The daughter of the late Joe and Birdell Krigbaum, and the only sister to Larry (Carol) Krigbaum. Dolly and Larry shared a birthday (2 years apart), so close in age and mannerisms, they were mistaken as twins! They have a friendship and bond any parent would dream of.

When Dolly graduated from Sweet Home High at 18, she packed the car and hit the road for the bright lights and big city. She attended Portland State University where she met her 1st husband and father of her three girls, Nadia Khater, Jennifer (Seth) Stephens and Pamela (Chris) Carlson.

Dolly became a single mother and worked very hard to give her 3 girls the best. She gave 40 years to the City of Portland working directly with many mayors and government officials. She never said no to anyone, many times working overtime or two jobs to make sure everyone was taken care of or bills got paid.

Dolly’s first grandchild Tyler Dionne was born in the summer of 1997, and her true calling of being a grandmother began. She spoiled her 6 grandchildren, Tyler Dionne 20, Taylor Stephens 16, Jalen Sullivan 15, Taryn Sullivan 14, Kylee Stephens 13, and Blake Stephens 6 with not only her love but with trinkets.  No matter where she visited, she brought the kids back t-shirts, earrings, candies, or whatever little things she loved. Grandma rarely missed a game, an event, or a play, she was the first to grab her chair and cheer them on.

Dolly found love again with the late Robert Wilmot, and they married in 1999. They traveled, drove long haul truck, and saw the country, as she sat shot gun for many weekends. Dolly cared for Robert as he passed from ALS after only 3 years of marriage.

Dolly defeated 2 different types of breast cancer, quietly and with little burden to her family and friends. She never wanted anyone to fuss over her, or to have anyone stop their life to worry about hers.

She took advantage of full retirement and a clean bill of health to see the world. She took a cruise to Alaska with her friend Roberta, hit the road for a month crossing the United States with her roommate Sharon, stopping at every historical site along the way, and she spent weeks with Larry and Carol hitting garage sales down in Southern Oregon . Most recently, she spent 10 days in London with her friend Suzie, on a once in a lifetime trip. We have since discovered she was aware she was terminally ill during this last outing, but every photo shows a smile.

Dolly never missed a moment, capturing hundreds of photos, rarely being in any of them. From watching her first grandson graduate boot camp and become a marine,  to sitting in Yakima as her first granddaughter played for a state title, or pacing the hospital room to share her birthday with her youngest grandson, who arrived 3 ½ weeks early.

Dolly was the first to help her 3 girls’ move, do housework, or even care for them as they battled health issues. She was known to sneak off in the car with the grandchildren if getting ice cream was in the plan.

Dolly stayed in her RV in La Center where she was a well-loved hand around the home. She spent weekends stacking wood, working the garden, or helping in whatever project she could get dirty doing.

Dolly spent her last 18 days under the care of her daughter Jennifer (Seth) Stephens. She laughed and told stories as she watched the leaves fall from her peaceful bed. She talked about the past, the jewelry her mother gave her, and never spoke of pain or even cried. She told her grandchildren “hello” every morning and “I love you” every night. She watched her brother play ball with her grand dog Chase, got to have daily conversations with visiting friends, and tried a bite of every meal her good friend Tammy made for the family.  

Geraldine was ready to “mosey on down the road”, and was at peace with the life she led and the impressions she made on the world.

Mom was always looking for a deal, Lord she must have made one for you to take her this soon. Just as she finished every card and note, we say goodbye to a beautiful soul – “with lots of love”.

Mom-may your new RV with wings take you to wonderful places as you watch over us from above.

A celebration of the life of Geraldine Roberta Khater aka Grandma Dolly, is being planned and will be announced shortly.