Geraldine “Geri” Ernst, 80, of Hanna City, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton. She was born on November 18, 1942 in Montgomery, Alabama, a daughter of Lester W. and Rosetta (Sams) Smallwood. Geraldine married John Frederick Ernst on October 20, 1962 in Peoria, Illinois. He preceded her in death on August 23, 1987 in Peoria.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; one granddaughter; one grandson; one great-grandson; and her brother, James Smallwood.
Geraldine is survived by her three children, Donald (Cindy) Ernst of Chillicothe, Crystal (Kerry) Roos of Mapleton and Cindy (James) Rister of Arkansas; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Geraldine worked as a lunch room manager for Peoria Public School District 150 from 1978 to 2011. She also worked in the Deli at Kroger on Sterling from 1987 to 2007.
She loved to sew, bake cakes and had a beautiful collection of porcelain dolls. She was also known for her love of Alan Jackson.
Geraldine's memorial visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2023 at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois at
https://www.rmhc-centralillinois.org/donate/donate-donate/.
Online condolences may be shared with Geraldine's family at www.davison-fulton.com.
