Gerald Hardesty

Gerald Leslie Hardesty, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 18, 2010. Gerald was born to Roy Clifford and Elsie Mae Hardesty in Los Angeles, California on December 1, 1927. They moved to Chico in 1931. Gerald attended local schools and graduated from Chico High School in 1947. Gerald was an Eagle Scout and he served his country in both the Army and Navy. After his military years he worked for his uncles in the masonry and plastering business. In 1964 he started his own plastering business. He was past president of the Valley Contractors Exchange and was a Life Member of the Chico Elks Lodge 423. He was honored with the "Elk of the Year" award in 2003. He was an avid outdoorsman with a compassion for fly fishing and hunting and had fished in every western state. He married Jane Pitt on July 16, 1950; they shared 52 wonderful years until her passing in 2002. He married his childhood companion Lorrelda LorMira Whisman Jefferies on May 22, 2004. He was preceded in death by a son, Scott Hardesty, in 1992. He is survived by his loving wife Lorrelda, son Edward (Melissa) Hardesty, daughter Roxanne (Don) Brashears, son Mark Hardesty (Doretta), all of Chico, step daughters Teresa (John) Reynolds, Rebecca (Bill) Ramsdell all of Redding, CA, brother Bernard (Fran) Hardesty of Chico, a sister Helen Ruth (Gene) Henricques of Kappaa, HI, his beloved Aunt "Toots" Alma Mienberg of Chico. 13 Grandchildren, Brian (Laura) Hardesty, Danny Hardesty, Garrett Hardesty, Katie Hardesty, Erich (Megan) Brashears, Keri (Lance) Franks, Brad (Jill) Brashears, Markie Hardesty, Austin Hardesty, Alexis Hardesty, Jacob (Christie) Reynolds, Will (Ashley) Ramsdell, Andrew (Jackie) Ramsdell, 15 great grandchildren and 8 nieces and nephews. A Graveside service will be held at Glen Oaks Memorial Park on Friday August 27, 2010 at 9:30. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Chico Elks Lodge. The family would like to thank the entire staff at The Country Village for their compassion shown for Gerald and his family during his time with them. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the " Alzheimer's Association ". Arrangements are being handled by Brusie Funeral Home.