Sister Marjorie Gerratt, the devoted wife of Elder D. Rex Gerratt, passed away peacefully at the age of 87. Known for her unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to family and church service, Sister Gerratt touched countless lives throughout her lifetime.
Sister Gerratt and her husband, an emeritus General Authority Seventy, served as mission leaders in the Philippines and as matron and president of the Idaho Falls temple.
Her legacy includes years of service alongside her husband, Elder D. Rex Gerratt, in various church leadership roles, where her compassion and commitment to the gospel left a lasting impact. Sister Gerratt’s influence extended beyond her immediate circles, inspiring others through her love, humility, and selfless example.
Throughout her life, Sister Gerratt served faithfully in many callings, including several with her husband. Besides supporting her husband as he served as a general authority from 2002 to 2007, the two served as mission leaders of the Philippines Manila Mission from 1996 to 1999. She also served as matron of the Twin Falls Idaho Temple as her husband served as president from 2008 to 2010.
Marjorie Crane was born on May 24, 1937, to Elmer LeRoy and Mary Cottrell Crane, who raised their eight children on a farm in Burley, Idaho.
She is lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who were blessed by her presence. Funeral arrangements and memorial details will be shared in the coming days as loved ones celebrate her remarkable life and legacy.
When she was 10 years old, D. Rex Gerratt, who was a year older than her, and his family moved to Burley and they became neighbors.
In high school, Rex and Marjorie each served as president of his and her respective class, and the two would have good-natured discussions about whose class was better. The high school sweethearts were married on Nov. 9, 1955, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple.
Young Rex’s father gave him and his brother the proceeds from a half-acre potato crop for working on the farm. With this money, they each purchased a milk cow. That became the start for a successful dairy and farm operation where Elder and Sister Gerratt raised their nine children.
In a speech given at Brigham Young University–Idaho in 2002, Elder Gerratt expressed gratitude for his wife, who he called “his best friend” as well as his eternal companion.
Through the years, Sister Gerratt served as ward Young Women and Primary president and counselor in a ward Relief Society presidency. An accomplished musician, Sister Gerratt served as a ward organist until this year. She enjoyed cultivating a large garden, quilting and taught her children to play the piano. Her obituary states that she acknowledged each child, grandchild and great-grandchild on their birthday.
In her obituary, her children express appreciation for their mother’s “quiet strength and support. Thank you for all you have done for us and for showing us how to live loving, industrious and Christ-centered lives.”
Sister Gerratt is survived by her husband, Elder Rex D. Gerratt; children, Mary Ann Clayton (Dan), Alan Gerratt (Kayla), Darlene Fish (Glen), Dale Gerratt (Becky), Carolyn Wood (Kevin), Lynn Gerratt (Shalawn), David Gerratt (Bonnie), Steven Gerratt (Michelle), and Donald Gerratt (Julie); 43 grandchildren; and 83 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Mary Crane; her seven siblings; and grandsons Spencer Gerratt and John Clayton.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, in the Church meetinghouse at 515 E. 16th St., in Burley, Idaho. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.
Family and friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, prior to the service.
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