Georgann Stafford

Georgann was born on July 3, 1946 in Portland, OR. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 1968 with a degree in Education, and she was always proud to be a Duck.

After graduation, Georgann worked as a beloved elementary school teacher for many years, teaching and caring for generations of children. Always an adventurer, Georgann’s teaching career took her to Oregon, California, Germany, and finally back to California again. It was while teaching in Germany that she met Gary—a few knocks on his window in the Bachelor Officer’s Quarters while looking for her friend, a not-so-chance-encounter at a party later that week, and the rest was history. Georgann and Gary were married in Switzerland in May of 1973 and their partnership was a dedicated, loving, and strong one throughout the years that followed. Her great passions were her family and her faith.

Georgann’s life was defined by how she gave of herself to serve others in ways both big and small. Her ability to keep track of what everyone was up to and to follow up to see how things went was a special gift to those who were loved by her. Her days started with spending time studying God’s Word and faithfully praying for all whose lives she touched. She loved teaching Sunday School, serving on mission trips abroad, and helping others by driving those who were not able to drive themselves. Georgann’s heart for serving others—being the hands and feet of Jesus—was immense.

Georgann was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Gladys Tipton and her granddaughter Grace Tipton Kowalke.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Gary; her children Marc (Molly) Stafford, Brooke (Tyler) Kowalke; her grandchildren, Liam and Adeline Stafford and Miles and Greta Kowalke; her siblings Gayle (Bill) DeChent and Gary (Deb) Tipton; her niece and nephew Robyn (Haze) Willoughby and Ryan (Lisa) DeChent and their families.

Georgann did not wish to have any services, but you can honor her memory by following her example of loving and serving others selflessly and with great abandon. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to The Bible Project or Elizabeth’s Library by clicking on the links below.

Beautiful wife, mother, mother-in-law, Mema, Grammy. We miss you and love you dearly.

We shall come to you in Christ. (2 Samuel 12:23)