Georgia Ann Crew

Georgia Ann Crew, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, went home to her Savior on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at age 83. Georgia was born December 11, 1941, in El Paso, Texas, to Dorothy Thomlinson. Georgia resided in California during her childhood years, where she spent significant time with her beloved grandparents, Stanley and Ruth Thomas. With their love and support, she grew in her Christian faith.

Georgia traveled extensively with her parents during her father’s naval service, including a deployment to Guam where she loved discovering the ocean. Many cherished memories of exploring the island with her only younger brother, Tim, were created on Guam. Additionally, Georgia spoke fondly of meeting Walt Disney when her mother worked as an illustrator for him, portraying squirrels in the movie, Bambi.

Georgia graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in 1960, and then attended Riverside College before receiving her bachelor of arts degree from Fresno State University in 1964. At Riverside College, she was active in the Gamma Nu Sorority and the Pan American Club, where she worked to promote improved relations with Spanish-speaking students. She was also a member of the college’s social committee, participated in fencing, and was elected to the Associated Student Body Cabinet. At Fresno, she was active in the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and majored in elementary education. Georgia taught kindergarten in Yuba County, California, following graduation and was loved by her students, as evidenced by numerous student cards and notes she saved and treasured.

During this time, Georgia met the love of her life, Jerry Crew, who was stationed at the Beale Airforce Base in Yuba County, California, working as an RSO for the SR-71. The two were united in marriage on October 24, 1968, in Yuba City, California. Georgia enjoyed meeting a wide variety of people at the Officer’s Club, including Nancy Reagan. Following Jerry’s retirement from active service, the couple relocated to Iowa to join the family farming operation, which Georgia faithfully supported. Two children were born to their union, Peter (Andrea) and Jill (Tony), who both learned to also love agriculture, their families, and God, following the example of their parents.

Georgia enjoyed shopping and was always dressed fashionably. She spent many years working at Seiferts in downtown Spencer where she assisted others in finding their own sense of style. She also passionately served people at Spencer’s Upper Des Moines Opportunity’s office. In her spare time, Georgia was an avid reader and could beat anyone (including Jerry) at a game of Trivial Pursuit. She loved to cook, to spend time at her Okoboji lakehouse (both with her family and her best friend Karen Cornwell), and the color green. Georgia loved a good piece of jewelry and taught Jerry a diamond was a much better gift than a frying pan!

Georgia’s greatest joy was found in her beloved seven grandchildren. She loved spending time with them, especially at the lakehouse. Teaching them vast lessons, they gained a love of animals, the outdoors, playing board games, and spending time with family. Ryan’s greatest memory is being picked up to spend an entire weekend with Grandma and Grandpa at the lake where Grandma would always take him to buy a small “treasure” behind Grandpa’s back. Austin’s favorite memory is eating cheeseburgers Grandma made at the farm and watching Mouse Hunt repeatedly with her. Molly’s best memory is spending one-on-one time with Grandma in the early mornings at the lakehouse, where Grandma ate Lucky Charms with her (even though she hated them) and then pretended to like cartoons. Abbey loved listening to Grandma’s stories of her time in Guam, like the time she was chased by a shark. Emma fondly remembers playing games with Grandma at the lake. Sydney will treasure hearing Grandma’s interesting stories and goofing around (she had a great sense of humor!). Macy will hold onto memories of staying with Grandma and how she was always ready to play games with her. They all loved Grandma deeply.

Georgia was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Jerry Crew, her mother, Dorothy (Walt) Swedberg, her brother Tim Owen (Sherenna), brother-in-laws, David and Ron Crew, and Monty Putbrese. Left to cherish her memory is her son Peter Crew (Andrea), their children Ryan, Austin (Madison), Molly, and Abbey, her daughter Jill Douglas (Tony), their children Emma, Sydney, Macy, Josie, and Paul, sisters-in-law LaVonne Putbrese, Karen (Tom) Wheaton, Carmen (David) Warford, Shari and Joy Crew, extended family and numerous friends. Blessed be her memory.