Georgia Ann Callaway

Georgia Ann Callaway died peacefully early Monday morning on Dec. 14, at the place that she has called home for over five plus years: East Adams Care Center, formally known as the Ritzville Life Care Center.

In her last days she was surrounded by friends and family who held her friendship at the most highest. Preceding her in death were both parents, twin siblings who passed away at a very young age, a brother, a daughter, and a granddaughter.

Georgia was born in Spokane. To Clara and George Callaway on May 25, 1936, which made her 79 years old this last birthday.

Georgia in her elementary years attended Lantz School District No. 80, located in the Benge area between Windmill and Blacktop by the corner at Clara’s turnoff on the Ritzville/Benge Road or the Marengo Road.

Lantz School was a one room school house until 1934 when a kitchen and bathroom were added on for the teacher. Until this time teachers boarded with families as Zada Callaway did when she taught.

When the school section was consolidated with Ritzville, Clara (Georgia’s mother), got a petition to go in with Benge School District. The Callaway family bought the school section for $100.

Georgia was driven to and from school each day by her mother, as her brother rode his horse to school located a mile down the country road. In 1947 there was only one student left, ‘Georgia.’

When ready for the seventh grade Georgia attended St. Joseph’s Academy in Sprague until 1953. Georgia went on as an adult with a career as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), working at both East Adams Rural Hospital and Life Care Center before it was called as such. One of our staff members who still works for the Care Center worked alongside of Georgia at that time.

Then in her later years Georgia worked for CF Industry until she retired and moved back to the Benge area to care for her mother.

Georgia married Louis Harrington in 1955 in Ritzville at the local Catholic Church and their family grew with three children, Shawn, Louis Cameron and Shannon. Six grandchildren, and multiple great grandchildren.

Georgia was a very special, spiritual lady who touched many lives. A grandma figure to all, with her open friendliness and smiling personality. The following memories are expressed in her honor.

Memories:

Georgia collected store coupons and other items for the staff. If someone had a baby she would collect diaper and baby formula coupons. McDonald’s coupons were saved to hand out to staff. When she found out a staff member owned a bird she would save her daily newspapers. She gave to her local community and reached out to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital with her small donations.

Georgia was so talented in her crafts and was a big help during our activity sessions in assisting others. Georgia had wonderful stories about her parents and her years growing up, which she enjoyed sharing.

Georgia always had a smile when she stopped into my office to share her thoughts or requests that she was in need of. We are both shoppers and we would always be looking for bargains. I used to get a kick out of some of the unique stuff she would find. I could always count on Georgia as she enjoyed trying to find those special items with magazine shopping.

I so enjoyed Georgia’s laugh, smile and sharp wit. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed.

Georgia always made you feel good by giving out compliments, and was always thanking us for caring for her.

Georgia touched me with her happiness and bright outlook on life even though her condition was deteriorating. She always seemed like a young soul, happy and always ready to do an activity or socialize. Georgia never let her pain or health condition get her down. She was a happy face to come to work to every day. She was happy with her life here at the care center and always felt at home with her staff family. I will miss her very much.

Georgia lived her life by the Laws of the Lord as she followed the light of the Holy Ghost each and every day of her life. I remember when Georgia worked at CF Industry as a guard. She didn’t miss anything, as her motto was, “You have a job to do then do it well.”

Georgia was more than a resident, she was our friend, as Georgia also considered us her second family. Her life was her home at East Adams Care Center. We will all miss her.

Georgia has touched our life, her spirit remains in our hearts. Bless you Georgia for blessing our lives.