Gladys H. Geist, 80, of Greeley passed away April 10, 2018. She was born August 11, 1937 in Eaton, CO to Henry and Lydia (Schneider) Rusch. Gladys attended College High and graduated in 1955. Gladys was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ.
Gladys worked as a mortgage loan officer at State Farm and First Denver Mortgage to name a few. She met Mel Geist and they were married in April 26, 1979. They lived in Douglas, Wyoming, returning to Greeley after nine years. Mom loved to fish and camp up in the mountains which inspired mom and dad to move to Gould, CO where they retired. Mom and Dad remained in Gould for eight years returning to Greeley when mom’s health started to fail.
Mom made every holiday the best for her family. This included Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and especially Christmas. Easter was a time when Gladys would have her grandchildren come over and dye Easter eggs which she used to make the best deviled eggs. On the 4th of July, she always made the celebration exciting. One summer she organized a parade in Gould where all the family and friends participated, making floats, making noise with kazoos, and parading around the neighborhood. Gladys loved sparklers and she made sure everyone had one to hold. Christmas was really her favorite holiday. She would decorate the house, having multiple Christmas trees with different themed elaborate decorations. She always made the best homemade Christmas candies. The best part was Santa Claus’ visit! She would always have stockings and gifts for everyone. One Christmas she had seven Christmas trees outdoors in Gould. It was the most beautiful sight. Gladys’ house was always filled with laughter and the smell of delicious food. She was an avid Broncos and Rockies fan.
Mom, we will miss your love, your opinion, which she always shared, and your loving nature for babies!
Gladys is survived by her husband Melvin; children, Roger (Mary) Lenhart, Russell (Theresa) Lenhart, Michael (Carole) Geist, Randall (Penni) Geist, Leroy (Julie) Geist; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, June (Clarence) Brown; and brother, Kenny (Jan) Maul; and sisters-in-law, Maryanne Potter and Margaret Rusch.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Hubert Rusch.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2018 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 3815 W. 20th St., Greeley with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Linn Grove Cemetery.