Gela Mae Cort was born on June 21, 1931 in Marysville, Washington. She spent her carefree childhood days there before relocating to Long Beach, California in her teens. After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Al Koester. Their marriage lasted 72 years until her death on March 13, 2022.
Their three daughters, Angela Phillips, Denise Winter, and Cherie Thorn, along with their father, were by her side as she peacefully passed.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Inge, Cameron, Tyler and Devon. Her grandson, Zachary, preceded her in death. She had seven great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, and her constant canine companion, “Buster.” She and Al lived in numerous cities after moving to Oregon in 1972, exploring nature all around the state via numerous camping trips. They ultimately settled in Silverton in 2009.
Everywhere she lived she loved working in her yard, growing beautiful flowers and tomatoes she enjoyed sharing with everyone. Laughing was her second favorite hobby, finding humor and happiness in the small things. She was known by many in Silverton as the little old lady wearing a straw hat, pushing her walker around town. She often took the same route in order to pet favorite dogs and see colorful yards where she occasionally “borrowed” a flower or two.
