Gerald A. “Jerry” Cutler died peacefully on Aug. 5, 2018, at his home in Graham, Wash., surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was 77 years old. He fought a valiant battle with cancer, but his devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Jerry was born in Monterey Park, Calif., to the late Milbert D. Cutler and Giovana (Jennie) Appino Cutler on Jan. 24, 1941. He had one brother, James D. Cutler (Barbara) who survives him in Orange, Calif.

Jerry was blessed with a very close and loving family. He married his best friend, Carol Lynne Deffenbaugh, on Oct. 30, 1965, in Montebello, Calif. They had two children, a son, Dennis A. Cutler (Diane) and a daughter Debra L Cutler-Smith (Michael). He loved spending time with family and was very supportive of each member. His greatest joy was being a “Papa” to his grandchildren. He loved to bike, fly kites, fish, go to games, tell stories of past adventures, play catch and just spend time with each of them. He was admired by all of them for his faith, love and strength.

After graduating from Cantwell High School in Montebello, Calif., Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1962 as a reservist and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1968. He took exceptional pride in having been a Marine and remained a strong supporter of the military throughout his life.

Jerry attended Grays Harbor Community College and graduated with a degree in business management. After working with Sears in sales management for several years, Jerry entered the Nursing Home Administrator program in the State of Washington and was licensed in 1984. He owned and operated several long term care facilities with his wife Carol. Once their facilities were sold, he continued to work as a consultant and interim administrator in many other facilities. He was also the president of the Washington Health Care Association from 1993-1995.

Jerry was an avid supporter of Washington State University and worked to support fund raising for athletic scholarships. He was especially fond of WSU baseball and could almost always be seen sitting in his seat by the dugout. He also took pride in not missing a home football game for over 20 years and being a season ticket holder for five sports.

Jerry is survived by his wife, children and four grandchildren, Chase (Alyssa) Cutler, Caleb (Danica)Cutler, Jenifer Cutler Wilson and Edward Gerald Whitney, by two step-grandchildren, Heather Smith and Justin Smith, as well as one great- grandson, Parker Cutler-Wilson and many very close friends and family.

There will be a celebration of life Mass at Holy Disciples Catholic Church in Puyallup, Wash. on Aug. 23, 2018, at 10 a.m. Father Matthew O’Leary will officiate the service. The family gratefully declines flowers and donations, but prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted. Jerry will have his ashes interned at the Milan Cemetery in Milan, Kansas on Aug. 25, 2018, at 11 a.m. beside his beloved in-laws, David and Nadine Deffenbaugh, of Wellington, Kansas. His nephew, Byron Newberry will officiate at the Internment.