Gerald (Jerry) Skeels, 83 years of age, passed away peacefully May 17, 2022. Jerry was born July 11, 1938 in Chewelah, Washington to Leora (Skeels) Karr. At the age of 8 Jerry relocated to Portland when his mother married Dallas Karr. Jerry gained a step brother, Jimmy Karr and step sister, Maeva (Karr) Anderson. At the age of 15 Jerry relocated back to Chewelah to live with his grandparents. Jerry graduated from Chewelah High School in 1956. At the age of 22, he married Dee Anna Deaver. They were married two days short of 55 years when Dee Anna passed away in 2015. Jerry is survived by his children, Brian (Diane) Skeels, Cheryl (Skeels) Salinas, and Tim (Wilailak) Skeels, his grandchildren Jarad (Kristin Coulter) Skeels, Jacob Skeels, Jeremy Salinas, Shanelle (Rob) Hutsell, Sienna Skeels, Andria Skeels, Blake Skeels, and great grandchildren, Kimber Hutsell, Logan Coulter Skeels, Asher Hutsell, and Ryker Hutsell. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, wife, step brother and son-in-law, Joseph Salinas. Jerry was known for being a number one fan and vocal supporter of his kids as he cheered them during sporting events at Kennewick High School back in the days when cow bells were acceptable. Early in his working life he worked in the logging industry, then got an opportunity to work at the former Boise Cascade Container Division at Wallula where he spent 23.5 years and worked his way into a supervisory position and later made a career change to be a Ben Franklin Transit bus driver. Jerry instilled in his family a love and respect for the outdoors and a good work ethic. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation on Jerry's behalf to Hospice.