Geri Whitlatch Obituary

Geri Whitlatch, 82, of Columbia, died on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Born on May 18, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she was a daughter of the late Cecil Whitlatch and Betty Lenora Turnbull Whitlatch. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Chuck" Dimond Goertzen and her brother, Robert "Bob" Whitlatch.

Geri spent much of her life in Idaho until she relocated to South Carolina to be closer to family. She was a member of the Idaho Gem Club, where she and her late husband, Chuck, liked to attend field trips where they traveled out in the desert to search for attractive stones to cut, polish, and make into jewelry. They also taught rockhounding classes through continuing education in Boise, ID. Geri was the editor of the Gem Club's newsletter for many years. Her other hobbies included studying genealogy, antiquing, and collecting coins. She had a love for cats and had welcomed many of them into her home as companions throughout her life.

Geri and Chuck met when they were both 13, dated during Junior High and High School and then broke up and went their separate ways. Geri and Chuck reunited 34 years ago and were together until his passing in August of 2025.

Survivors include her daughters, Lisa Payne (Larry) of Elgin, SC and Rebecca Orwig of Charleston, SC; her grandchildren, Rachel Payne, Mary Beth Nalbone (Sam), Ava Mae Orwig, and Katarina Orwig; as well as her sister-in-law, Ann Whitlatch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Idaho Gem Club, 2823 North Cole Road, Boise, ID 83704.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.