Eugenia Gorchels (Hayes) Gorchels

Eugenia "Genie" Gorchels
August 17, 1921 - February 13, 2017
MONMOUTH - Eugenia Gorchels was born Aug 17, 1921 to Leah and Eugene Hayes, their only child. Bright in school, she skipped two grades and graduated from high school at the age of 17. At 17, she met her future husband Clarence Gorchels. Their first date was watching a basketball game. When he developed tuberculosis, she waited for him to recover. They were married June 16, 1945.
Their honeymoon was a road trip amid gas rationing from Wisconsin to Pullman, Washington to his first job.
Genie started teaching school at age 18 in a one-room schoolhouse. She continued teaching, earning her Master's Degree from Washington State University. Most of her teaching was at Monmouth Elementary School for 23 years, teaching 2nd grade. She was honored as the Teacher of the Year for 1974-75, and was the head teacher for many years. She especially loved teaching math to her 2nd graders. She retired at the age of 68, concluding a 50-year teaching career.
In her mid-40s, she started traveling the world with Clarence. They started with Europe, but soon visited the Soviet Union, Micronesia, the Straights of Magellan, and many other destinations. They spent one Christmas in Timbuktu, sharing a can of tuna. Her favorite travel was on cruise ships and she enjoyed multiple cruises with Clarence. She celebrated her 90th birthday on a cruise.
After her retirement, she was able to spend more time playing bridge, a passion since early adulthood. She was a member of several local bridge groups, some of which she organized. She taught bridge to many. She was able to play bridge at the Monmouth Senior Center until mid-2016. She was also an avid reader.
Genie loved the home she designed. She was able to stay in her home, thanks to her dedicated and remarkable team of caregivers, despite senile dementia the last year of her life.
She passed away in the early hours of February 13, 2017. Perhaps her late husband of 57 years, Clarence, wanted her to join him in eternity for Valentine's Day.
She is survived by her four children, Cathy, Chris, Melissa and Greg; seven successful grandchildren and 6 young great-grandchildren.
Instead of flowers, memorials to the Monmouth Elementary School, the Monmouth Senior Center and the Monmouth Public Library are welcome.
May she rest in peace.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, Feb. 19, 2 pm at Christ's Church United Methodist, 412 Clay St W, Monmouth. Arrangements are in care of Farnstrom Mortuary, online at FarnstromMortuary.com.