Obituaries

Geraldine Stevens

August 30th, 1928 – August 31st, 2018

Geraldine "Geri" Stevens, passed to her heavenly home on Friday, August 31, 2018 just hours after celebrating her 90th birthday. She was born on August 30, 1928 in Astoria, IL, the daughter of Ethel and Oscar (Johnson) Hopping. She married John Robert "Bob" Stevens on May 30, 1963 in Springfield, IL. He preceded her in death on May 3, 1986.

Geri is survived by her three sons; Jon Crozier of Springfield, IL, Rex Stevens of Rushville, IL, and Rodney (and Tonya) Stevens of Simi Valley, CA, three grandchildren; Wesley Stevens, Ryan Stevens, and Kaylee Stevens, all of Simi Valley, CA, two step-grandchildren, Dakota Stevens and John Robert Stevens of Marietta, GA, numerous nieces and nephews, and a very special friend and caregiver, Tonya Goddard. Geri also leaves behind her most loved companion, her dog Daisy Mae, whom she lovingly called "My sweet Baby Girl".

Geri was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Russell Hopping, Harold Dean "Pete" Hopping and Kenneth Wayne "Hop" Hopping, two sisters, Verna Vesta Mathis and Pauline "Polly" Trone and a step-daughter Starlynn Stevens and numerous nieces and nephews.

Geri attended small country schools in the area surrounding Astoria. She worked as a cocktail waitress at the Elks Club in Springfield, IL for several years. Later she and her husband and family moved to Van Nuys, CA, where she was employed by the Holiday Inn and also worked as a licensed Real Estate agent with REMAX Realty and other agencies until she retired. She later moved back to Illinois and made her home with her sister Verna Mathis for several years and then moved to Charles Place in Rushville this past year.

Geri was of the Christian faith and on January 3, 2018 was baptized in her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She had a giving heart and her greatest joy was always being there to help others, especially her family and grandchildren.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Shawgo Memorial Home has been entrusted with her arrangements and a celebration of life is being planned in the future.