Jeannette "GiGi" Marie (Abel) Gert

Jeannette “Jean,” “GiGi” Marie Gert (Abel) was born October 20, 1942 to Aletha Burress. She was later adopted by her stepdad, who she called “Daddy,” Homer Abel. She grew up in Antlers, CO and Rifle, CO where she attended junior high and high school. Her parents owned a dry cleaners business in Rifle that she worked at for some time. While she was in high school, she met Fred Gert and they began dating. She later broke up with him to attend Mesa Junior College (later to become CMU). After her first semester, she dropped out and returned to Rifle and started dating Fred again. They married in 1961. He enlisted in the US Army a few years after they got married. After his time in Vietnam, they returned home to Colorado where he started working as a State Patrol Officer (and would become Bill rather than Fred). Jean was a housewife and raised their children while he was on the patrol. Their home was always welcoming to friends and family, and she always had a meal on the table to feed whoever came through the door. Once the children were old enough, she worked at Snap Photo, a video store, and various kiosks in the mall during the holidays.

Once Bill retired, they lived their lives on a motorcycle. They traveled all over the country, riding to many places some can only dream of seeing, including all 50 states. They were active members of the Blue Knights and the local Gold Wingers chapter. She rode over 600,000 miles on a motorcycle. Jean never took it for granted, and always had a passion for hopping on the bike at any moment.

Around the time Bill retired, they also became grandparents to their first grandchild, and five years later they had a second. Jean loved being a grandma, earning the nickname “GiGi.” This became her name to anyone who met her through her grandkids. Jean welcomed all friends of her grandchildren into her home, and always made sure the snack cabinet was full. Eventually, she welcomed her great grandchild and loved her dearly.

Jean passed away in her home with her granddaughter and grandson (in law) by her side on June 16th, 2026 (pronounced on June 17th, 2026).

Jean was a friend to many, and loved by every one of them. She loved to share stories of good times with those around her. She had a knack for drawing someone in and keeping them talking for hours.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Homer & Aletha Abel, and her son, Wayne Gert. She is survived by her husband William, son Michael (Brenda) Gert, grandchildren Austin (Breanna) O’Donnell-Gert and Briana (Brandon) Hatcher, and one great granddaughter, Willow. She is also survived by her in laws, Emil (Dani) Gert, and MaryKay Craycraft.