Kristie Mae Gareis
Kristie Mae Gareis (Grimes), 64, a wife, mom, meemaw, and dear friend to us all, passed away peacefully on June 11. 2016, at Winchester Hospital. Her family surrounded her.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Dennis Gareis; their children, Andrew and Amy; grandchildren, Gavin and Athena; son-in law, William Hendricks; and her aunt, Dolores Irving. Her parents, David and Retha Grimes, preceded her in death.
She loved the beach, and her perfect day included sitting on the beach at OBX or Mexico with family and friends, and later eating seafood at a restaurant she had meticulously researched. A close second perfect day for Kristie would be watching the Steelers play at Heinz Field, which combined her loves of family, travel, and shopping (for Steelers gear). If not at the beach or a Steelers game, she could be found scoring great deals at yard sales and consignment shops, watching her grandkids, or going out for dinner with her many close friends in the area.
Kristie was born and raised in Martinsburg, graduating from Martinsburg High School in 1969. She earned her Bachelor of Education degree from Shepherd, and her Master of Education degree from James Madison University. She met the love of her life at a new teacher orientation in Winchester, where both Kristie and Dennis were teachers. They were married in 1975, and went on to raise two kids in Charles Town. She taught geography for 25 years at Harpers Ferry Junior High. She faithfully attended St. Leo’s Church, where she volunteered for activities like the monthly seniors luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made in her memory to the Cancer Center Capital Campaign at Winchester Medical Center. More information on the Campaign at www.vhsbuildinghope.org and 540-536-6939. Checks can be sent to (make sure to note Cancer Center Campaign on the check): WMC Foundation – Cancer Center Campaign, 220 Campus Blvd, Suite 402A, Winchester, VA 22601.
Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.