Geraldine Fay Reifenberger

May 23, 1926 - February 12, 2018

Loving, Generous, and Spirited... After 91 years of gracing our lives, Geraldine Fay Reifenberger died peacefully at home in Spokane on February 12th, 2018. Born in Spokane, Washington on May 23, 1926 to George and Iola Swartz, her early years were spent in Grand Coulee, Washington where she explored the hills, and perfected her hunting skills shooting squirrels. She proudly displayed their tails as trophies on her bedroom wall much to her Mother's dismay! After moving with her parents and two older sisters to Spokane, she  graduated from  Lewis and Clark High School, lettering in basketball. Following graduation she worked for Cater Transfer as a bookkeeper and later for the Soil Conservation Service coloring maps. On May 14, 1949 she married the love of her life, Ralph Reifenberger. Faithfully married for 68 years their courtship and love story were featured in the Spokesman Review. They settled in Fairfield, Washington where Geraldine embraced farm life - canning, gardening, cooking for harvest crews, and driving grain truck and a tractor. She was creative, talented, and giving: a marksman with a 22 rifle or 20 gauge shotgun hunting Chinese pheasants for hat making. Skilled at cake-decorating,calligraphy, and hand-work including embroidery, knitting, and crocheting,  She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School, and was instrumental in starting the first kindergarten in Fairfield. She was active in Ladies Aid  where she enjoyed decorating for receptions, preparing food and making life long friendships. She was a vital member of the Fairfield Community volunteering at the Food Bank, Historical Society, local nursing home and library. Even though the progression of Alzheimer's eventually led to a move from their farm, she did not lose her playful, giving, and loving spirit. Geraldine is survived by her husband Ralph, her older sister Darlene Herman (Howard), daughters Joan Schwab (Ginny) and Lois Christensen (Paul), granddaughters, Megan Bale (Jacob), Karli Schwab (Mitchell), Hannah Christensen, and Abigail Stepper (Colton) and three great-grandchildren, Elliott Bale, Ezekiel and Elsa Stepper, and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Geraldine's life will be held Monday, February 26th, 2018 at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairfield, Washington with a luncheon to follow. In her honor a memorial may be given to Zion Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.   A special thanks to Pastor Paul of Zion Lutheran, and all those who provided loving care for Geraldine.