Geraldine Stowell: What happened to Dennis Weaver’s wife?

Geraldine Stowell was the wife of Dennis Weaver. Geraldine Stowell’s husband was an American actor and former president of the Screen Actors Guild. He is best known for his work in television and films from the early 1950s until just before he died in 2006. The actor’s most famous roles were as Chester Goode/Proudfoot on the western Gunsmoke and as Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud on the police drama McCloud. 

Geraldine Stowell: Bio Summary

Who was Dennis Weaver’s ex-wife?

Geraldine Mae Stowell was born on June 27, 1925, in St. Louis City, Missouri, United States of America. Not much about her early life is documented. However, Billy Dennis Weaver and Garaldine were college sweethearts. Dennis and Geraldine Stowell met at a Joplin Junior College sock-hop in 1942. Geraldine was a figure roller-skater and wore one of her skating outfits to the dance.

When the pair danced their way into each other’s direct line of sight, Dennis gave “a powerful whirl” that kicked up her skirt, revealing a pair of legs that took Weaver’s breath away. Gushing about it in his book, Weaver wrote: “That was the beginning of a grand partnership that has lasted more than fifty years. She has truly blessed and enriched my life.” 

Three years of dating followed before they got engaged and tied the knot, all on the same day! Weaver proposed to Geraldine Stowell at a football game, and the lovebirds drove through to the justice of the peace in Columbus that evening. In 1948 Dennis Weaver and his wife welcomed their first son, Rick, and their second son, Rob, came in 1953, followed by Rusty in 1959. Rick followed in the footsteps of his father and became an actor, producer, and director.

Rob and Rusty also pursued careers in entertainment. In his book, Weaver revealed the “secrets” of a long-lasting marriage and wrote: “When we truly love someone, we allow them their thoughts, interests, and space. We give each other room to breathe.” They maintained a loving, dedicated marriage for 60-plus years, until his ascendance in 2006.

Dennis Weaver’s 2001 autobiography, All the World’s a Stage, revealed a spiritual person as Weaver explored environmental concerns, events that could have led to his death, and what he treasured most – his six-decade-long marriage to his wife, Gerry.

Geraldine Stowell Weaver joined her husband in the entertainment business as an actress and is known for “Gentle Ben,” “The Mike Douglas Show,” and “This Is Your Life.”   Geraldine Stowell’s husband, Dennis Weaver was a vegetarian since 1958, and student of yoga and meditation since the 1960s, and a devoted follower of Paramahansa Yogananda, the Indian guru who established the Self-Realization Fellowship in the United States.

Though Dennis became a celebrity, Geraldine was always the real star of her family and the driving force behind his success. According to Geraldine Stowell’s obituary, she and her husband, Dennis discovered Ridgway in 1988 and felt an instant connection. The couple went on to buy a property on their very first visit, built the groundbreaking Sunridge Earthship, and spent the rest of their lives there.

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What happened to Dennis Weaver’s wife, Geraldine Stowell Weaver?

Dennis Weaver’s wife, Geraldine Stowell Weaver died at the age of 91 on 26 Apr 2016 at her Ridgway home surrounded by loved ones. Her obituary revealed her generosity was unbounded as she was a significant contributor to many local organizations and events, and if not for her, the Weaver Memorial Park would not have become a beautiful part of the town.

Geraldine Stowell leaves behind 3 loving sons, 2 daughters-in-law, 3 amazing grandchildren, a precious great-granddaughter, and many, many friends. Their children are Rick Weaver, Rusty Weaver, and Robby Weaver. Geraldine Stowell’s husband, Weaver died of complications from prostate cancer at his home in Ridgway, Colorado, on February 24, 2006. 10 years later she also joined him.