Geraldine Faye Wortman

She was born on August 13, 1930 in Wichita, Kansas to Vern Franklin Gilbert and Inza Faye Terry (Gilbert)

Gerri died peacefully with daughter, Kristin, and dear friend, Shirley, by her side. She knew her life on earth was coming to an end and looked forward to her new eternal life with her Heavenly Father, husband, son and daughter, parents, and grandson, along with numerous loved ones and friends.

She began her life by given the title of “Most Beautiful Baby in Wichita” by winning the Wichita Eagle newspaper contest. Her love of reading began at an early age — her dad said the only thing that got Gerri’s nose out of a book was learning how to drive. In her youth Gerri enjoyed hanging out with her mischievous neighborhood friends, ice skating every Saturday, and learning more about our Lord with her lively youth group at her church.

Gerri graduated from East high and would tell stories about the fun she had with her “itty bitty titty” girls club. Gerri attended Friends University and graduated with an Elementary Education degree. At Friends Gerri was active singing with the Singing Quakers, cheerleading, and presiding as president of her sorority, Delta Rho.

She met her husband Willard “Bill” Wortman, through a blind date. He opened her eyes to true love for 68 years. Gerri and Bill had three children, Karen Riddel, Kent Wortman and Kristin Cooper.

Gerri absolutely loved being a kindergarten teacher for 23 years. She received many honors from staff and parents through those years at Woodland Elementary School.

She was born and raised at West Side Baptist Church and spent her life serving there until its closing. She served as a Sunday school and VBS teacher. She was involved in many committees serving the youth, dinners, hospitality, search committees and more. She made lifelong friends that were inseparable — sharing meals every Sunday after church, Monday at Spangles, Wednesday at church, Friday dinners, and Saturday breakfasts. It’s a miracle she remained slim eating all those meals!

As an adult, Gerri was president of PTA for many years, active with her East High Reunion group of friends, and Delta Rho Alumni group. She loved playing Solitaire and Bridge and talking on the phone at great length with her gal pals. Gerri participated with the Assistance League of Wichita, American Baptist Women Association and tutored students at Allison Middle School. Gerri was artistic and made many beautiful crafts, giving many away to family and friends.

She is preceded by Parents; Vern and Inza Gilbert; Husband, Bill Wortman; Daughter, Karen Riddel; Son, Kent Wortman and grandson Aaron Wortman.

Gerri is survived by; Sister, Gay Anderson. Daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Steve Cooper; Daughter-in-law, Cynda Wortman. She was Mommoo to Grandchildren, Ryan (Laura) Riddel, Korie (Chris) Avila, Kyle (Lindsey) Riddel, Kacy (Alicia) Riddel, Matthew (Crystal) Wortman, Ross (Molly) Riddel, Keely (Colby) De Giacomo and Karlee Cooper, Kaydee Cooper, and Kambree Cooper. 18 great-grandchildren, five nieces, and three nephews along with numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Gerri knew her final destination was heaven and lived her life following Jesus’ teachings to love and serve others. She was faithful to God and to her friends, cheerfully working side by side to further God’s Kingdom. She loved and adored every kindergartner that walked into her class at school. Gerri showed unconditional love to her family and was eager to lend a helping hand. Mommoo was obsessed with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Bill hosted family and friends for many summers at Winter Park, Colorado.

Mommoo was known for her outstanding baking skills. She made each grandchild’s favorite baked good whenever they came to see her. Gerri had a freakishly great long-term memory. She could recite every VBS and school fight songs and, to the very end, could recall in amazing detail stories from her youth. Even at 94 years old, Gerri could jog upstairs and run circles around most people until her diagnosis of A-Fib more than a year ago. She looked forward to getting out of the house to run errands with her daughter and was always amazed at how many white cars she counted on the road.

After Bill’s passing and the Covid pandemic, Gerri found joy in the visits from the saints at Koinonia. She loved talking with Amy, Char and Christine — getting chocolate shakes, doing crafts and going to parties. After she was put on Hospice, Gerri enjoyed, appreciated, and loved all her caregivers. She made sure to always say thank you and blew kisses when they left. She became close to the staff at Ennoble Hospice — nurses Al, Teresa and Linda, who was like a daughter to her. She really enjoyed seeing Ruby and Mary during the days. Dependable Dee and Mary brought her joy and good times with their evening care and fabulous meals. Shirley spoiled Gerri — in the best way — with the personal love and care she showed through her massages, gifts and laughter. Shirley was with Gerri until her last breath. These exceptional people were angels from above and will be dearly missed by Gerri’s family. Like Gerri always said, “God Is Good!”

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, US, on April 17, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, US, on April 18, 2026, at 10:30 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209, on April 18, 2026 following the service.