Geraldine (Jerri) Martha Mechels, of Bella Vista, AR, passed away on February 4, 2024. She was born on November 5, 1938, in Twin Falls, Idaho to James Kopp and Joyce (Kopp) Marlow.

After graduating high school, she attended St. Alphonsus Nursing School and then joined the US Navy as a hospital corpman. That is where she met her husband, Dean. They married in April of 1960 in the Naval Chapel in Alameda, CA.

They moved many times following Dean's career, living in California, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Wichita Kansas. During that time, they raised 2 sons, Steve and John Mechels. She continued her education and obtained a BS in Psychology. She works in many fields during her lifetime from social services to western wear retain administration.

Retiring in 1994, they moved to Bella Vista, AR building a lovely home and starting new careers in their tour business, DJ Tours. They led tours throughout the US, making new friends. While touring they discovered Southern Texas. Eventually selling their business, enjoying their home and the Bella Vista community and wintering in Texas.

Jerri had many interests in doing crafts like zipper art and ceramics. She loved flower gardening, tending and feeding the many birds and deer that visited her.

Her favorite joy was her schnauzer dogs, always having one or two, Zoey being her last one. She called Zoey her caretaker as she was her constant companion during Jerri's long health journey with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Kristi Kopp.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dean of Bella Vista, AR; sons, Steve Mechels of Ft. Collins, CO and John (Donna) Mechels of Louisville, KY; and sisters, Nancy Nolan of Bentonville, AR and Katy Kopp of Flagstaff, AZ.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1 St Bernard Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72715 with a luncheon to follow.  Prior to the Mass a Rosary will be said at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that any offerings be made to Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.  On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.