Jerry Frances Osborne

Chinook resident Jerry Osborne died at her family home Sept 18, 2009. Born Geraldine Frances Skeel on Dec 19, 1920. The daughter of George and Margaret (Sulivan) Skeel in Billings MT. After several moves the family eventually settled in the Seattle area. Two of her brothers Andy & Dick were original members of the Cossacks motorcycle drill team, which continues today. Her brother Steve was into flat track racing and all attended the early "Gypsy Tours" at Long Beach. Her brothers kept a careful eye on her and were very proud when she became an elevator Operator/Supervisor in charge of several of the Seattle downtown high rises. One of her early hires was Carol Olsen who would become a lifelong friend and later her Olsen Street neighbor in Chinook. In 1968 Jerry received a call from Carol informing her of an auto accident which took the life of Mary Lou Osborne, leaving her husband Buddy with three school-age children in need of care. Jerry gladly accepted. The town and family welcomed her. The brothers followed her shortly after to check out the crab fisherman who would eventually win her heart. Jerry loved a good party and never missed an opportunity to dress up in costume and show off. All the kids on Halloween would make sure they made it to Jerry's just to see her costume. She loved kids and treated them like family. She collected hats, fake tattoos, stuffed animals and plants of every kind. She is survived by her husband of 40 years Buddy Osborne; her "kids," Kenny (Laura) Osborne, Mary Kay Osborne of Chinook and Peggy Osborne (Tom Hudson) of Vancouver; one brother, Dick (Sally) Skeel of Belgrades Lake. Maine and many other family members. There will be a celebration of her life and potluck on Oct. 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chinook Restaurant and Lounge. Memorials can be made to the Friends of the Chinook School, Sea Resources, or the Chinook Fire Dept. The guest book is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.