She attended Classen High School in 1952 where she made life-long friends. She attended Mills College in California for one year before transferring and graduating from the University of Oklahoma. While in Norman, Geraldine became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.
In 1957, she met the love of her life, F. Davis Raupe while on a blind double date. They were married on December 8, 1959. Together they had two children, Karen and Steve.
Geraldine was a life-long volunteer and homemaker. Not only did she join the Junior League of OKC, she gave her time to St. Anthony’s hospital and to her children’s respective schools. She also enjoyed following her son around from golf course to golf course as he played in Junior State tournaments.
As her children grew, so did her passions. She became an active member in Tuesday Study Club, Wednesday Study Club and Coterie. Her greatest passion as well as achievement was playing Bridge. Two of her Bridge partners, Melba Rhinehart and Delores Mueller played together for over fifty years!
Geraldine was the Bridge partner everyone wanted. She Played “by the seat of her pants” and her card instincts were always sharp. She laughed often with others and especially at her own antics. She played for the sheer joy of playing and her ethics at the table were well known. She traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada playing pairs and team games, winning, more often than not. Geraldine achieved the status of Ruby Life Master. She kept her perspective about bridge-that it was a game to be enjoyed. The friendships she made were deep and lasting and enriched all who had the pleasure of sharing a deck of cards with her. Even after her stroke, she was at the table, participating in the game she loved. She hated missing a game or a slam – often fearlessly bidding when others would shudder. Her absence leaves a table empty and a hole in our hearts.
Geraldine was proceeded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Dave and her brother, Lee Bollinger. She is survived by her two wonderful children, Karen Raupe-Hanstein, and her two children Katie and Tanner and his fiancée, Mandi Newton, Steve Raupe and his wife, Susan and their six children, Justin, Ashley, Tyler, Evan, Sophia and Preston. Along with her sister-in-law, Gale Bollinger-Askins, her husband Jim and her daughter Caroline, husband Dr. Thomas Johnstone, and their two children Peter and Parker.
Geraldine’s family would like to thank her friends who have loved, prayed and supported her over these past three months. In addition, the family appreciates the wonderful care she received from Integris Deaconess and from caregivers, Priscilla and Camesha.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Nichols Hills United Methodist Church, Casady School or the charity of your choice.
Celebration of Geraldine’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 2:00p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Nichols Hills.
