Wilma J. Geist, 78, of Sabetha, formerly of Hiawatha, died unexpectedly June 1, 2020, at the Sabetha Community Hospital.

She was born at Boyero, Colorado, July 28, 1941, one of four children born to Glenn William and Lena Alberta Summers Welton and graduated from Grainfield, Kansas High School.  

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Sabetha, and Auxiliary of Homer-White Post #66, Hiawatha American Legion.  Wilma enjoyed her family, and cooking.

Wilma married Gerald Joseph “Jerry” Geist in 1963 in Grainfield.  When the boys were growing up and attending school, the family moved to Horton prior to moving to Hiawatha where they graduated high school.  In later years, she moved to Sabetha to be near Jerry and Marty who were in the nursing home there.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry in 2009, and son Martin in 2007.

Survivors include her son Anthony Geist of Sabetha, grandchildren:  Dylan, Cory, Jordie, Karley, two sisters Fern Mader (Lonnie) of Great Bend, KS, Judy Reinecker (Steve) of Smyrna, TN, brother David Welton (Debbie) of Topeka, KS.

Outdoor funeral mass will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church parking lot in Sabetha, 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, with Father Jaime Zarse will officiate.  SOCIAL DISTANCING MUST BE OBSERVED BY STAYING IN VEHICLES. Interment will follow at the Hiawatha Cemetery.   

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, from 10-5 p.m. Monday

Memorial contributions suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Due to the critical situation our country is in please remember the family during this difficult time. Consider sending a card, or a note on our web site www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com