Gerald Eugene Scholz, age 83, was surrounded by his family and friends as he passed away peacefully from a courageous battle with cancer on July 16, 2014.

Gerald was born to William (Bill) and Madeline Graham  Scholz  on October 29, 1930. He became the third generation to live and work on the ranch that was founded by his grandfather Daniel Graham, in South Pine Creek, in 1888.

Gerald attended school in Riverside, Wash. and graduated in 1948. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1952 and was released with an honorable discharge.

Gerald married Dolores R. Figlenski in 1952. Together they raised four children; Debbi, Mary, Roberta and Gerald in the original home built by Gerald’s grandfather.

He was a member of the American Legion, Eagles, Elks, U.S. Armed Forces Legacy, The Cattlemen’s Association and the NRA, among others.

In 1977 he married Joyce Frink Hinger and lived out the remainder of his life in their home on South Pine Creek.

Gerald was born into a life he loved; raising cattle, farming the land, hunting and fishing and spending time with his beloved family. A true cowboy, Gerald rode a good horse from the time he could walk. He was actively riding and working the cattle ranch up until shortly before his death. Gerald was a steward of the land and saw the beauty of the outdoors in the small details of every field, flower and sunrise. He worked continually to build a ranch to pass on to his descendents, a true testament to his strength and commitment. He was wise, kind and generous. He faced life head-on and had a way of making the best of everything life dealt him.

Gerald is survived by his wife Joyce and her sons Tom (Sandy) Hinger and Doug (Mary) Hinger. And by Gerald’s children: Debbi (Gene) Burbery, Mary Scholz, Roberta Scholz (Tom Even) and Gerald Scholz (Bobbi Ayers). By nine grandchildren: Jenny (Nate) Kuske, Vanessa (Jason) Seldal, Shayne Freeman, Michelle (Casey) Silverthorn, Cody (Mandy) Scholz, Joseph Scholz, Jason Hinger, Kelsey Hinger, Kim Hinger, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Colleen Scholz Taylor and Delores Scholz Grubin Duty and his nephews Hank Taylor and Eddie Figlinski.

Graveside Services will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday July 26 at Riverside Cemetery followed by a gathering in his honor at the Riverside Grange.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Gerald in kind words or deeds towards others. Donations in his honor may be made to the U.S. Armed Forces Legacy (P.O. Box 854, Tonasket, WA 98855).

Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel is in care of the arrangements.