Gerry died peacefully in Redding, CA at Lavender Hills Assisted Living. She was born in Chicago, IL to Clifford Samuel and Catherine Rose Williams. At age 18 month old the family moved to Needles, CA where her father worked for Santa Fe Railroad. She lived there until her marriage to Bruce Edward Olsen on December 12, 1958. Bruce worked for P.G.& E. in General Construction, he was transferred often to new areas. They moved 26 times in 3 1/2 years throughout California.

Gerry became a step-mother at age 18 to 3 young stepchildren, raising them as her own. In August 1960 daughter Ruth was born in Eureka, CA. Bruce Jr. followed, born September 1962 in Vallejo, CA. Later that month the Olsen family moved to Red Bluff, permanently transferred by P.G. & E. They purchased an acre, built a home where they lived for over 55 years. After settling in Red Bluff, Gerry earned her high school diploma and later on Associates of Arts Degree from Shasta College. She worked for Red Bluff Elementary School District for 21 years as an Instructional Assistant in 3rd & 4th grades.

Gerry loved children. Gerry was a community volunteer and served on various boards, including KIXE & Tehama CountyMental Health Advisory Board for many years, also, California Association of Local Mental Health and Commissions, and the Tehama County Drug and Alcohol Board. Gerry volunteered at the Hope Chest for