Geraldine Mae (Eyler) Eckhoff

Geraldine Mae Eckhoff, 92, of Smithsburg, MD, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2022, peacefully at her home.

Born March 27, 1930, in Waynesboro PA, Geraldine was the daughter of the late Ernest and Lacy (Cooper) Eyler. Geraldine, known as Gerri to most who knew her, passed peacefully with her family at her bedside on November 22, 2022.

Gerri was a dedicated and hard worker her entire life. She began cleaning houses with her mother to help the household but would occasionally get to go to the movies and skating.  She fondly remembers seeing The Wizard of Oz when it was released in 1939 and running all the way home because she was afraid of the flying monkeys.

Gerri did not graduate from high school because she worked to help her parents. She never gave up on becoming a high school graduate and was very proud of earning her GED when she was in her 60’s.  She made sure to tell all her children and grandchildren that they needed to stay in school and earn their diploma.

Gerri and her then husband, Richard Cook, owned and operated the Waynesboro Tavern during the mid-70’s. She held many positions at the American Legion, Post 239, in Cascade MD, which made her well known on The Mountain.

She later retired from Rotorex in Frederick MD. After retirement she was a proud snowbird. She spent winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, where she created cherished friendships with Donna and Linda. They enjoyed visiting flea markets together.  They also enjoyed making strawberry jelly, crafting, and helping veterans when they were able.

She was a member of the Pen Mar Community Church and enjoyed going weekly until her health no longer allowed her to go. She loved when the members would come and visit her at her house.

She is survived by 4 children, Richard Cook (Margaret), Diane Decker (Boyd), Charlene Law (Ronnie) and Ernie Cook (Candy). One of her greatest accomplishments was her large family, including 14 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She loved to share stories of her childhood and her many experiences over her 92 years. She liked to remind everyone to put on their socks, wear a hat and make sure they zipped up their coat so they wouldn’t catch a cold. She worried about her family until the moment she left this earth.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, husband Arthur Eckhoff, three brothers, Mervin Eyler, Sam Eyler, David Eyler, and sister Doris Muth.

A graveside service will be held on Monday December 5th, 2022, at 1:00pm at Greenhill Cemetery in Waynesboro PA, with Reverend Terry Marshall officiating from the Pen Mar Community Church. A gathering to celebrate her life will follow at The Knights of Columbus in Waynesboro, PA.

Gerri left a message to her family, hidden on the back of a picture, with some words of advice, “Be good and be nice.  Be good to your family because they are your life.”

Arrangements were made my J.L. Davis Funeral Home of Smithsburg, MD, and online condolences can be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.