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Obituaries Geraldine "Gerry" Mae Hansen Pickering

By Phillips Funeral Home · July 9, 2026, 11:03 am

Geraldine "Gerry" Mae Hansen Pickering, age 100, arrived in Heaven on July 7, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Salem United Methodist Church in Van Horne with Pastor Beth Graham officiating. Interment will be held at the Garrison Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:45 AM on Saturday, also at the church.

Born on March 3, 1926, to William and Laura (Runyan) Hanson, Gerry began life small enough to fit in a shoebox but grew to be an immeasurable blessing to her family.

Gerry married George Pickering, Jr. Together they built a life rooted in farming, hard work, and raising their three sons: Darrell, Robert, and Tom. She was known for her entertaining stories, loving care of family members, playful teasing, toughness, and unmistakable "classy grit."

As Grandma "G," she created lasting memories through cousin’s camp, trips to the dime store, and countless special moments with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed flower gardening, baking cookies, and playing cards. Gerry was a member of the Van Horne Garden Club and Salem United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Darrell and Rita Pickering, Robert and Ann Pickering, and Tom and Connie Pickering; her grandchildren Brian (Lori) Pickering, Jill Best, Reid (Danielle) Pickering, Amy (Chris) Hilleschiem, Holly Pickering, Angela (Jason) Franzenburg, and Ben (Angela) Pickering; 15 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; her grandson, Paul Pickering; and her great-grandchildren Libby G Best and Maddox Herbert.

Gerry's love, strength, and devotion to family will be remembered always.

The family is deeply grateful to the Virginia Gay Annex team for the outstanding care and compassion shown to Gerry.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com

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