Geraldine E. (Farrell) Lafferty

Geraldine E. Lafferty, 84, longtime Ellensburg resident, passed away at her home on Friday, November 12, 2021.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband in a private family ceremony at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington.  A celebration of life will be held next summer.

Geraldine was born on July 12, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Robert & Peggy (Jones) Farrell and was adopted at a young age by Arsenio & Ann Prudente. Arsenio was in the Navy and so the family moved a few times in Geraldine’s younger years, eventually making their home in San Diego.  Geraldine attended school in San Diego but left early, eventually earning her GED when she was in her early 40’s.

Geraldine married Jose Perez, Sr. and was blessed with two sons - Jose, Jr. and David - before that marriage ended in divorce.  She would later meet the true love of her life, a handsome young sailor named Kent Lafferty, at a social function, and they married on September 27, 1968. Geraldine and Kent were then blessed with their daughter, Ann, and together they made up one big blended family.

Geraldine was the true definition of a “Navy wife” and tended to the children and household (while also working different jobs on base, including the Navy Exchange) as Kent’s career as a Navy Officer took them all over the world, including Scotland, England, Japan and Hawaii, eventually returning to San Diego before moving to Ellensburg in 1987. 

Geraldine enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing bingo and was active in a bowling league for many years. From decorating to getting gifts for her family and watching Hallmark movies, Christmas was her favorite time of the year.  Geraldine had a big heart, an infectious smile and will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Geraldine is survived by her sons Jose (Victoria) Perez of Ellensburg and David (Theresa Hagerman) Lafferty of Bremerton; daughter Ann Lafferty of Ellensburg; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren as well as her sister Millie.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers and her grandson Michael Perez.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the charity that Geraldine and Kent always donated to, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org/donate).  Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Geraldine and her family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com