GELESKA JEAN BAZE
03/30/1921 - 02/01/2023
Surrounded by family, Geleska Jean Baze entered eternal life on February 1, 2023. She was born on March 30, 1921 in Scurry County, Texas, one of the five children of Ola and Ben Harless. Following her graduation from Hermleigh High School in 1939, Geleska worked in the defense industry until 1944, when she married Roy Allen Baze. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband of 72 years Roy, brother Jack, and sisters Bobbie and Ramona. She is survived by her brother Don Harless, sons Robert (Margaret) and Ben, granddaughter Elizabeth Baze Berzin (Edward), grandson Benjamin (Cia), and greatgrandchildren Benjamin, Isabelle, Jacqueline and Samantha Berzin and Roy, Charles, Annika and Beatrice Baze, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
After the end of WWII, Geleska and Roy began his career with Humble Oil (later Exxon) which led them to live in a number of Texas cities and Connecticut. She enjoyed having the opportunity to travel with Roy to Europe and Asia Pacific during their years in Connecticut. In 1970, she travelled to Rotterdam to christen the VLCC Esso Europort, which she described as a true “Cinderella experience.” Following Roy’s retirement in 1980, they returned to Snyder, where their marriage had begun. There Geleska was active in the Cogdell Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, Martha Ann Women’s Club, Garden Club, Alturan Club and Presbyterian Women. In 2004, she and Roy moved to a retirement community in Abilene and then in 2010 to Houston where they could be close to family.
Steadfast, loving devotion to her family, her faith and her friends was the central focus of her long, happy life. Wherever she lived, she was active in her church, teaching Sunday school and serving on various church boards. Her nurturing and accommodating nature was the bedrock of her family’s life, as well as fostering many life-long friendships. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking a great interest in their activities and always pleased to spend time with them. She had an infectious laugh and an optimistic perspective on life which brought joy to all around her. She was gracious, unfailingly polite and considerate of others.
The family is grateful to Michelle Monette, Houston Hospice and caregivers of Right at Home West Houston for their thoughtful and compassionate care of Geleska. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, February 10 at Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home in Snyder, Texas. The funeral will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 11 at First Presbyterian Church, 2712 Avenue R, Snyder, TX 79549, followed by graveside service. Pastor Sara Core will officiate. Pallbearers will be Benjamin Baze, David Reed, Jeff Reed, Bill Harless, Marcus Harless, Gary Harless, Mark Harless and Steve Tyler. In lieu of flowers, the family asks any memorial donations be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Snyder.