Obituary for Georgia Rae Motes

Georgia Rae “Jo” (Havens) Motes, a cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, in Bethlehem, PA, at the age of 87. Born on November 4, 1937, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Georgia's life was a testament to her resilience, kindness, and unwavering spirit.

Georgia was the daughter of the late Roy and Doris (Mayenschein) Havens. She grew up in a warm household with her sisters, Nancy McDavid and Ellen Havens, both of whom predeceased her. Her life was enriched by the love of her late husband, Ernest "Gene" Motes, with whom she shared many joyful years until his passing. Though she faced the heartache of losing her daughter Kathryn D. Wiley-Motes, grandson Christopher E. Motes, and her beloved sisters, Georgia's strength and love never faltered.

She is survived by her devoted son, David Motes and his husband, David Violett, who brought her immense joy and comfort, especially in her final years. Georgia's legacy also lives on through her many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember her fondly for her warmth, guidance, and the joy she brought to their lives.

Georgia proudly joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and served her country honorably. She later served as a housing director for the Army, earning admiration for her dedication to service. While working in Washington D.C., she met and then married Ernest “Gene” Motes, an Air Force member, while he was posted at the Pentagon. Gene and Georgia lived many different places around the world and in the US. An avid collector, she found joy in her chotchkes, flowers, and a home filled with memories of her travels.

Passionate about exploring new places, Georgia embraced each journey with an adventurous spirit, connecting with people and cultures along the way. Her vivacious personality shone in her relationships with her many friends and the senior community, where she was always ready to help or listen.

Her deep faith guided her throughout life. An active Presbyterian and former deacon, she cherished the fellowship it provided. In her short time after moving to Bethlehem, to be near her son and son-in-law, she was becoming a member of her new church community and getting to know people.

Although Georgia lived a full and happy life, she will be deeply missed by her beloved son and son-in-law, David Motes and David Violett and her nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

Calling hours: Friends and family may call from 11:00 a.m., until the time of service, January 3rd at the Presbyterian Church of West Salem, 625 West Franklin St., West Salem.

Services: A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, on January 3, 2025, at the Presbyterian Church of West Salem, 625 West Franklin St., West Salem. https://www.presbyterianchurchwestsalem.com. Pastor Dan McCurdy will officiate.

Reception: A reception will be held immediately after the funeral service in the fellowship hall at the church.

Graveside Services and Burial: Will be held in Neshonoc Cemetery following the reception.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Military Women’s Memorial, https://myaccount.womensmemorial.org/donate the West Salem Historical Society, https://westsalemhistoricalsociety.org, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

A celebration of Georgia’s life will be held on January 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at the Plymouth Presbyterian Church, 3755 Dunkirk Ln. N., Plymouth, MN 55446. https://www.plymouthpc.org Lunch will be provided. Georgia’s family invites friends and family to come and share in the celebration of her life; stories and remembrances of Georgia’s life are especially welcome.

Online condolences may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com. If you wish to mail a sympathy card to David Motes and David Violett you may send them in care of Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory P.O. Box 851 West Salem, WI 54669.

I met Georgia 15 years ago when she came to Lacrosse Memorials to purchase a Monument for her daughter and grandson.

Now all of you who knew Georgia carried herself well and presented herself shall I say prim and proper

But that day her face presented a deep grief, and yes, a bit of anger

As I walked through the different stages of Choosing a Monument, she let some bitterness and anger come through. She did not want to be there doing this and her grief was overwhelming. I recognized this and we worked together to create a beautiful memorial

Later on that year the funeral home had a memorial service for families that had lost a loved one throughout the year. I was there to honor my 27 year-old son who had died a few months before George’s loss.

When she saw Michael’s picture next to her daughter and grandson, she looked around, saw me and gently nodded.

After the service she came to me, took my hand and said” I’m so sorry how I treated you when I bought my Monument I didn’t know you were grieving too.”

The next day I received a phone call from Georgia asking me out to lunch and telling me she had something for me. At lunch, she gave me one of her beautiful African violets.

I still have that original African violet and now when I know of a tragic death and someone’s deep grief, I take a clipping of that African violet and pass it on to ease someone’s grief. Georgia's memory lives on.

So from the deep grief of two mothers of forgiveness and understanding, I share this story.

Georgia and me remained in contact and I honor And remember her this day. My African violet blooms, Beautiful in my window as does the life and memory of Georgia

~Sheila Wieser