Geraldine May Richert was born August 21, 1927 in Winchester, Kentucky and died December 4, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Geri, as she was known, was a good student in high school and college, completing both in three and a half years each. As a dedicated student in high school, she was also a cheerleader. At the University of Kentucky, she played softball as a freshman while majoring and graduating with a degree in Home Economics. She later went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Counseling & Supervision from the University of Louisville. Her teaching jobs included high schools in Madison, Indiana; Erlanger, Kentucky; Cross Plains, Indiana and Austin, Indiana where she ended her career after 24 years. She taught girls not only sewing, cooking and other domestic duties but also about budgeting and how to spend money wisely. She was highly respected by students and colleagues throughout her teaching career. She lived in Madison, Indiana her entire adult life.

In 1986, Geri was elected Woman of the Year by the Historic Madison Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) and also became its president. Members of the ABWA are selected based on their achievements in business, education, community activities and their participation in the Association. She also served as bulletin chairman and vice-president prior to 1986. The association’s mission is to promote educational, cultural and social advancement of business women achieved through scholarship awards to local women and fundraising to a national scholarship fund.

After retirement, she remained active working at the Paris Style Shop, as a hostess on the floating restaurant on the Ohio River, docent for the City of Madison Tourism Center and as a nursing home activities assistant.

Geri was also very involved with the John Paul Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Madison and at various times was President and revitalizer of the local chapter helping to bring it back into prominence. She also was an avid gardener and developed her backyard into an English-style flower garden that she loved to work in. Her garden was a stop on the Annual Madison Garden Tour several times over the years. She was an active member of the local Madison Garden Club and enjoyed many activities the club engaged in over the years.

Geri was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ and also attended the North Madison Christian Church, and was active in both churches as well as bible study groups.

She is survived by her two sons John W. Richert and Charles L.F. Richert MD., their respective wives, four grandchildren, one great grandchild, two nieces and a nephew.

A graveside service is planned for the family in Winchester, Kentucky. A future celebration of life event will be planned in Madison, Indiana.