Geraldine J. (Gerry) Coombs, 84, of Bristol, passed away June 18 at Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility in Damariscotta, after recently suffering several strokes.
Gerry was born in Mt. Washington, Mo. on May 15, 1927 to the late A. Clifton and Myrtle V. (Pickering) Jones. After moving to Kansas City, Mo., she attended Kansas City schools where she enjoyed playing in the band. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in mathematics.
After graduating from college, she utilized her expertise in mathematics by working for many years on space studies at the Midwest Research Institute in Kansas City.
She met Kenneth E. Coombs from Maine in 1948 when he was a member of the University of Kansas faculty in Lawrence, Kan. as an instructor in Architecture. They were married on Oct. 13, 1951, and took up residence in Kansas City, where Ken established a practice in architecture, which in later years, included the position of City Architect for Kansas City. Upon his retirement from practice in 1982, the couple moved to Bristol.
In Bristol, Gerry enjoyed playing golf at Wawenock Country Club where she was a member of the Ladies League for many years, until a hip fracture prevented her from participating. She volunteered in several capacities for the Bristol Area Library, and engaged in boating, traveling, friends, gardening, genealogy, reading and dining out. As a hobby, she enjoyed oil painting and exhibited considerable talent in her work.
Besides her parents, Gerry was predeceased by her brother, Elden Jones.
She is survived by her husband, Ken of Bristol; sister-in-law, Ilse Jones; and niece, Mariell Jones, both of Shawnee Mission, Kan.
Graveside service 1:30 p.m., Tues., Aug. 9 for friends, family and well wishers at the Chamberlain Cemetery in Round Pond.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
