aines Helen Geraldine “Gerri” Raines, age 100, died Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Concordia Nursing and Rehab in Bella Vista, Arkansas.

She was born December 1, 1924, in Seligman, Missouri, the only child of Leon and Lena (Kelley) Skelton. On February 16, 1945, in Lawton, Oklahoma she was united in marriage to Willis M. “Boz” Raines, who preceded her in death on May 24, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri where they had lived since 1948. Also preceding her in death was her parents.

She is survived by several cousins and her husband’s four nephews and a niece who have been very close to her.

Gerri graduated from Seligman High School in 1942 and took classes at Joplin Business School. She then moved to Cassville where she worked for the Agricultural Adjustment Administration as a secretary for two years. She met Boz in Cassville when he came home on furlough after serving 27 months in the United States Army on the Aleutian Islands. After moving to Kansas City, she was employed by the National Secretary Association at the First Baptist Church. Gerri continued to live in Kansas City until the death of her father in 1987, her mother was unable to live alone so she came back to Seligman and cared for her until her death in 1995 at the age of 95. She enjoyed playing bingo, gardening, and working crossword puzzles. Gerri was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri for over 55 years.

Graveside services were held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, December 20, 2024, at Seligman Cemetery in Seligman, Missouri, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Reverend Khalib Jordan conducted the service.

Contributions may be made to Seligman First Baptist Church in memory of Gerri.

PAID OBITUARY