Geraldine Garrett Dailey May 5, 1927-June 27, 2009
Geraldine Garrett Dailey, daughter of Charles and Vinnie Garrett, was born May 5, 1927 on a farm near Grant City, Missouri. She was welcomed by an older sister, Kathleen. Geraldine passed away in her home on June 27, 2009, while being lovingly cared for by her family and Hospice of Central Iowa staff. At age 11 Geraldine was baptized at the Mount Ayr Baptist Church. Later in life she became a member of the United Methodist Church in Mount Ayr. Through the years Delphos Baptist Church remained fond in her heart.
Geraldine graduated from Delphos, Iowa in 1945. She attended AIB Business College in Des Moines from 1945 to 1946. After graduation she worked at Younkers Department Store in Des Moines. Geraldine was united in marriage with Donald (Jake) Dailey on February 8, 1947 in Troy, Kansas. To this union were born three children, son Monte and two daughters, Diane and Martha. Jake and Gerri (as Jake fondly called her) established their home in Mount Ayr where Geraldine became a homemaker and mother.
There were no better times for Geraldine than those spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved tending her flowers and garden, cooking and reading recipe books. Geraldine was an excellent cook and looked forward to serving delicious meals for her family and friends. The Christmas holiday will not quite be the same without her pecan turtles and date pudding.
Geraldine also worked beside her husband in the Lucky Lanes Bowling Alley and the Mount Ayr Furniture Store, both of which they owned and operated. Geraldine enjoyed attending bowling tournaments with friends. The couple spent many hours of their lives supporting the community.
Geraldine was a 50-year member of Mount Ayr Chapter Number 356, Order of Eastern Star. Her love of music led her to become a charter member of the local Choral Club. She was very patriotic and a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary. At church she was active in the choir and taught Bible school.
Geraldine drew her greatest joy from her family. She was very proud of Monte’s gardening skills and willingness to help others. Like Geraldine, Diane’s love of family is a top priority. Geraldine drew strength from Diane’s care during her final days. Geraldine was proud of Martha’s music programs and always enjoyed attending elementary concerts and Moonlighter productions. Geraldine loved traveling to every possible activity, sporting event and competition with Jake to cheer on their grandchildren. She always looked forward to seeing their great-grandchildren.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents; a great granddaughter, Anna Catherine Landphair; sister, Kathleen, and brother-in-law, Robert Sefrit.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Donald (Jake) Dailey; her son, Monte Dailey of Mount Ayr, Iowa; her daughter, Diane and husband Kenny Wood of Muskogee, Oklahoma; daughter, Martha and husband Ronald Landphair of Mount Ayr, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Charles (Kelly) Dailey of El Paso, Texas, Donald Dailey of Sheridan, Missouri, Angie Dailey of Whittier, California, Amber (Kent) Gilliam of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gavin (Emily) Wood of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Nicole (Dave) Opfer of Kansas City, Missouri and Ronald (Allyson) Landphair of Waterloo, Iowa; 10 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Services were conducted at Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, with Rev. Edward Shields and Pastor Barton Shields officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett, Mary Davenport and Margaret Bickers.
Casket bearers were Charles Dailey, Donald Dailey, Angela Jo Dailey, Amber Gilliam, Gavin Wood, Nicole Opfer and Ronald Landphair.
Honorary pallbearers included Makayla Dailey, Shai Dailey, Damian Dailey, Kaylin Gilliam, Alyssa Gilliam, Camdin Wood, Jake Landphair, Camille Landphair, Ryan Opfer, Caroline Opfer and Mick Still.
Geraldine was laid at rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
