Mrs. Geraldine Stout Kalso, 92, of Mt. Vernon, left us to be with Our Lord on Monday, June 24, 2024. Geraldine was a retired United Methodist missionary and social worker.

Geraldine was born April 22, 1932, in Columbus, Georgia, the daughter of the late Lilla Cady Stout and Clarence Trego Stout. She grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. She earned a B.A. degree in Sociology from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, in 1956 and worked as an elementary school teacher, as a relief housemother at a home for children and youth, and as a Children's Services Social Worker for the state of Kentucky. She felt called to be a missionary, and met and married Milton Kalso of Mt. Vernon, WA, who was studying at Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, and also wanted to serve as a missionary. They were married in 1962 and went to Zimbabwe, Africa, as United Methodist missionaries with the Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church in 1963. Geraldine was Librarian at a Teacher Training College, while advising a Y-Teen's Club, helping with Women's Homecraft Clubs, and teaching her son and daughter by correspondence school at various times.

The Kalso family returned to America in 1977. From 1977 to 1980, they resided in Wichita, Kansas, where Geraldine worked as a Social Service Specialist for Senior Services, helping elderly clients to access services. In 1980 the family moved to Washington, where Milton was the United Methodist minister in churches in Nooksack, Tacoma and Camas. Geraldine furthered her education with several courses on Aging at the University of Washington School of Medicine and worked as an Outreach Worker for Whatcom County Council on Aging, and also as an Enumerator for the 1990 US Census.

In 1994. Geraldine and Milton retired to live at the Kalso homestead on Egbers Kalso Road, Mt. Vernon. Geraldine remained active in the United Methodist Women's organization (United Women in Faith), among other things arranging educational programs about mission work and helping with the Nurture Committee.

She was also active in a local TOPS group, resulting in many deep friendships.

Geraldine loved her many friends and family around the world, and especially enjoyed reunions. She would not hesitate to help in any way she could if asked. She was a faithful writer of letters and cards, remembering many people's birthdays.

She also enjoyed fishing trips to lakes in British Columbia for trout fishing, and the family hunting dogs. She loved the color yellow, always ate dessert, and never lost her charming Georgia accent. She was a devout Christian and was a witness to her faith by her kindness to everyone she met.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lilla Stout, and her husband Milton Kalso. She had no siblings. She is survived by her son John Kalso of Lynden, Washington, and daughter Janet Christiansen (Torben) residing in Denmark.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many attentive caregivers that have helped Geraldine through her aging journey over the past years, including the expert support of Ellen Liu Kellor, MSW, and Hospice of the Northwest. We also greatly appreciate the many prayers and support from family and friends, and the gift of Pastor Grace Kanake's comforting visits.

Memorials may be dedicated in Geraldine's name to one of the following:

1: Advance # 3021028 "Africa University Scholarships". Giving can be done online (https://umcmission.org/advance-project/3021028/ ), or in the church offering plate (with the check payable to your local church, then write the name of the ministry and the Advance number on the check).

2: Allen United Methodist Church at 16775 Allen West Rd., Bow, WA 98232.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29 at the Allen United Methodist Church at 16775 Allen West Rd., Bow, WA, followed by a reception at the church.