Gerings selected to serve as Grand Marshals

For the past 50 years, Gail and Gaynel Gering have been active members and volunteers in the Ritzville community. After countless years of service and dedication to assisting with organizations, clubs and activities, the Gerings are being honored as the 2014 Ritzville Community Parade Grand Marshals.

“We moved back here in 1964,” Gaynel said. “And we’ve been busy in the community ever since.”

Both former graduates for Ritzville High School, the Gerings returned to their hometown to be of service and help build a life here. They raised three children in Ritzville, Steve, Brad and Susan, and have loved every minute of living here.

With having three children, Gail explained they were actively involved in providing them with opportunities and teaching them about agriculture. For both Gaynel and Gail, agriculture has played a huge role in their life, and all of their children share the interest.

The family had every animal imaginable, the couple said, and one of the specialty animals was a Shetland pony. After the purchase of the pony, the Gerings invited local first grade students to travel out to the farm and ride in a cart pulled by the pony. The cart and pony were also a prominent staple of the Ritzville Community Parade.

The first projects the Gerings participated in included activities for children, and the youth of the community has always served as their priority of outreach and assistance. Gail had a strong passion for horses, and started the first 4-H Club in Ritzville specifically for horse enthusiasts.

The involvement in the 4-H club quickly blossomed from helping children to providing them with unique and exciting adventures. Every summer, the club members went on a three-day trail ride to a different location in Washington. Gail led the rides and Gaynel traveled with them as the head cook.

The couple estimates nearly 50 people attended the annual trail ride.

Aside from their involvement in 4-H and FFA projects, the Gerings served a tenured term as the Field Crop superintendents at the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair. For over 30 years, the Gerings dedicated their time to volunteering in the department and helping support a beloved community tradition.

Outside of the community, Gail served as the Adams County Wheat Growers president, and eventually the Washington State Association of Wheat Growers president. After his term in 1985, he continued on to serve on the U.S. Board of Wheat Growers Association.

For the Gerings, farming and agriculture has always been an important way of life. In 1995, Gaynel served as the Cattlewoman’s Association president.

Prior to their involvement with the state organizations, Gail received the 1970 Washington Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year award, earning him a trip to Illinois to meet other outstanding farmers.

With their responsibilities with the Wheat Growers Association and the Cattlewoman’s Association, the couple had the opportunity to travel the United States.

The experience of trying something new and learning about the area has been important to the couple, and they have spent a lot of time traveling in an effort to see the world and have new experiences.

The Gerings recently celebrated 56 years of marriage and are enjoying retirement together. Gaynel explained they enjoy getting out and doing things, with one of their favorite things being travel. They are also avid golfers and dedicated grandparents.

As the grandparents of eight, the Gerings stay busy attending functions and visiting their grandchildren.

The couple are also active in the local community through their church, Trinity United Methodist Church, and they enjoy helping and participating with church activities. In their spare time, they volunteer at the Ritzville Food Pantry and the Ritzville Museums. The Gerings always try to volunteer their time for any event or activity that is beneficial to the community.

“The community has given a lot to the area, you have to give something back,” Gail said.

For both Gail and Gering, the most important part of living in Ritzville is, “Being in a community where you know a lot of people and everyone steps up to help,” Gaynel said.

The Gerings will ride down Main Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. Gaynel’s sister is transporting the couple in a convertible.

They expect the majority of their children and grandchildren to be in attendance at the parade.

“We’re looking forward to the parade and we’re extremely honored,” Gaynel said. “And we will continue to serve the community.”