Jeannette Aileen (Galey) Bridges was born on Sept. 15, 1933, in Raymond, Washington, to Lawrence and Nellie Galey, the original owners of Galey’s Grocery in East Raymond. She passed away gently and peacefully at home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 28, 2021, at the age of 87. She was surrounded by her two children and husband of 66 years for the days preceding and at the moment of her death.
Jeannette was the younger sister of Lorraine (Galey) Ralston. As a child, she was curious, active, and loved her big sister, friends, cousins and family members. She enjoyed living in the family farmhouse on Oldani Road, tending the family garden, cows, chickens, horses, cats and dogs. She graduated from Willapa Valley High School in 1951. She played tenor saxophone in the dance band, was a yell leader and a conscientious student. She was salutatorian of her class and was selected as graduation speaker.
Following high school, Jeannette attended Holy Names College in Spokane, Washington, for one year. She returned to Raymond, Washington, to work in the automobile industry; eventually becoming office manager for the Willapa Harbor Motor Company. She married her lifelong friend (they met as toddlers), Lonald “Corky” Bridges, on Oct. 9, 1954, in Raymond, Washington, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. (Who knew that the boy who chased you around the tree at the age of three would become your husband.) They soon welcomed two children, son Monte Bridges in 1957 and daughter Julee (Bridges) Grabinski in 1959.
Jeannette and her family lived in Redmond and Ellensburg, Washington. She was a devoted mother and wife and is remembered lovingly as a trusted confidant, immaculate caretaker, exquisite home cook and kind friend who welcomed all. She was a spiritual and prayerful woman and a lifelong devoted Catholic. In Ellensburg, as her children grew older, she worked as a sales associate at a local women’s clothing store, Terrace Fashions, and supported seasonal college course registration processes at Central Washington University. She moved to Spokane, Washington, with Corky in 1980, where they eventually retired. She enjoyed aerobic exercise, canoeing, gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends, and taking annual trips across the United States with her sister and their spouses or other family friends. In 2006, Jeannette and Corky took a long-awaited trip-of-a-lifetime with their children and their spouses to her country of heritage, Poland, where many lasting memories were made. In September 2018, Jeannette and Corky moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to be closer to their children, grandson and their families. She loved this opportunity to be close, enjoy family dinners together and celebrate the fruits of lives well-lived.
Jeannette is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Nellie Galey; her sister, Lorraine (Galey) Ralston; and many relatives and friends. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Lonald Bridges; son, Monte Bridges (Johnny Underwood); daughter, Julee Bridges Grabinski (Jon Grabinski); grandson, AJ Valoff (Sara Valoff); her sister’s husband, James Ralston; her sister’s children, Jill (Ralston) St. Onge, James Ralston, Jerry Ralston and their respective families.
When travel and gatherings are considered safe, Jeannette’s family will bring her ashes to Raymond, Washington, where they will be placed at Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo, Washington. A celebration of life service/gathering will be held for family and friends at that time. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to: Eldercare Hospice, 5660 W Flamingo Road, Ste C, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103.
Jeannette’s caring heart, her sparkling blue eyes, zest for Gonzaga basketball, love of good times with family and friends, and daily 4 p.m. happy hour with a glass of White Zinfandel, will live on in the hearts and minds of those who love her. Na zdrowie, Jansia!
