Edna Geraldine Soults

Edna Geraldine "Gerry" Soults passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at the remarkable age of 105. Gerry was born on December 9, 1920, in Waukena, California, to William and Velma Eyer. A lifelong resident of Tulare County, she spent all 105 years of her life in the community she loved, including more than 84 years in the city of Tulare. She attended Central and Wilson Elementary School before graduating from Tulare Union High School in the Class of 1938. She was a secretary at the U.S.Army Air Corps' Rankin Field and was the first woman teller at Tulare's Bank of America. Gerry's commitment to Tulare extended far beyond her professional life. She was honored as Tulare's Woman of the Year in 1986, a recognition of her many contributions to her hometown. She was a founding member and past president of the Tulare City Historical Society and Museum, where her passion for preserving local history inspired generations. She was also a devoted member of Tulare United Methodist Church and an active member of the Tulare Palette Club. Although deeply devoted to her hometown, Gerry enjoyed exploring the world. She cherished international travel, creating memories and friendships wherever she went. Above all, Gerry treasured her family. Her warmth, strength, kindness, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her. Her long and well-lived life leaves a legacy of service, community involvement, and devotion to family that will continue for generations. Gerry is survived by her sons, Greg Scowmith and his wife, Ann; Richard Smith; and Tom Smith and his wife, Bonnie. She is also survived by her sister, Billie Nell Steinbach. Grandsons include Colin Gilroysmith, Bryan Gilroysmith and his wife Abril Macias-Diaz, Weston Smith and his wife Erica. Granddaughters include Kate Scowsmith, Hannah Scowsmith and her husband Brady Hollis. She is also survived by her nieces, Susan Tackett, Sandra Falk and her husband, Eric. Great grandchildren include Millicent, Goldie and Eugene along with many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 32 years, Harold Eugene "Gene" Smith; her second husband, Robert Soults, with whom she shared 11 years of marriage; her sister, Lesta May Anderson; her brother-in-law, Richard Anderson; her brother-in-law, Herman Steinbach; and her nephews, Robert Anderson and Craig Anderson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tulare Historical Museum or Tulare United Methodist Church. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the congregation of Tulare United Methodist Church, the compassionate staff of Sierra Village and Quail Park, and the many friends of the Tulare City Historical Society for their love, support, and kindness shown to Gerry throughout her life. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gerry's extraordinary life on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. at Tulare Cemetery on East Kern Avenue. Though Gerry lived an extraordinary 105 years, those who knew and loved her will remember not simply the length of her life, but the grace, generosity, and enduring spirit with which she lived every one of those years. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Edna Geraldine Soults

December 9, 1920 - July 20, 2026