Georgy Waters

Georgy Waters

Scappoose, OR

Georgy Elizabeth Waters, 49, passed as she lived, unexpectedly. On February 6, 2024, Georgy left our world taking her infectious smile and “Sunner laugh” with her.

Georgy was born Stana Suzanne Sunner on October 12, 1974, to Sandra (Miller) and Dr. Paul Sunner in Burke, SD. The Sunners soon moved to Arthur, IA where Georgy became a celebrity when the local paper featured her smile during the Centennial parade. Another move to Eagle Grove, IA cemented the Sunners in the community where the kids would spend their childhood.

Georgy spent her youth charming every teacher and neighbor she met. Her Sunday School teacher surely thought she was a saint. Her teen years were spent playing every sport possible and getting straight As, making her parents proud. Georgy golfed, helped her softball team go to State, played basketball, and ran cross country with her strawberry blonde hair flying. Her mischievous nature led her to some questionable practices which she always got away with. Eagle Grove residents always knew who “borrowed” the outdoor Christmas decorations.

In her junior year of high school, Georgy moved to Cedar Rapids, IA with her father. After graduation from Prairie High School, Georgy went on to UNI, studying every subject she could. She travelled to Israel for an archaeological dig and brought back Dead Sea minerals. After graduation, she met and married Greg Pelzel. The couple spent their time rehabilitating houses in Iowa and Oregon. After their divorce, Georgy settled in Astoria, OR, her favorite place.

Georgy was an avid reader and lifetime learner. She bought countless instruments and a music stand for each, teaching herself how to play them. Georgy had a generosity of spirit reserved especially for children. She was known to give books, erector sets, and harmonicas to her niece and nephews or the neighbor kids. She procured kaleidoscopes and handed them out to children on a trip to town. She always wanted to teach children and celebrate their successes. In memoriam of Georgy, please spend time teaching a child about something you love.

Georgy was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Carl and Helen Sunner and Delbert and Lena Miller, and her uncle, Clark Miller. Her aunts and uncles also preceded her, Harold Sunner, Fred and Barb Hull, Gig and Peache Sunner, Gordy and Bonnie Sunner, and Kurt and Betty Sunner.

Georgy left behind her loves, Dan Forde, and their dog, Ribsy. She is survived by her parents, Sandy Sunner and Paul Sunner, her brother, Chad (Michelle) Sunner, and sisters, Heather (Mike) O’Connor and Diane (Ron Berges) Simons. Also, her niece, Sophia Sunner, and nephews, Luke Sunner, and Marshall O’Connor. Her surviving aunts and uncle are Diane Audiss, John Reid, and Helen Chapman. She was also blessed with countless cousins and great-aunts and uncles. The family will hold a private celebration of life.

Georgy, Dan, and Ribsy made Scappoose, OR their home, and spent their time learning new hobbies and languages. Georgy covered the house in Post-it notes with thoughts or quotes. Dan described Georgy as, “the most amazing woman I’ve ever known.” She will forever be missed by her family and friends.