PLEVNA – Emma Alveretta Geist, 101, died after a short illness. She was born Sept. 18, 1913, in Sylvia, the daughter of Ralph Higgs and Ruth Victoria Stratton Thompson. She graduated from Sylvia High School as valedictorian in 1931.

She was a project leader in 4-H, loved gardening, receiving many ribbons and awards for her flowers at the Sylvia and Kansas State Fairs. She enjoyed painting, oils and pastels, also judging art at the county fairs. Emma especially loved time with her family and friends and always caring for others. Her wit and humor always made her a joy to be around.

She was a member of Huntsville Methodist Church and then Fairview Methodist Church after Huntsville closed. Emma was very involved in her church, being President of the United Methodist Women as well as making brownies every time they mowed the grass, even when she was 96.

On Nov. 18, 1936, she married Everett Harvey Geist in Hutchinson. He died June 5, 1994. They lived on the family farm near Plevna, and she was a great support for the operation, making meals, driving a tractor, pulling rye and keeping farm records. Surviving are: her children, Ralph (Doloris) of South Hutchinson, Karen (Harold) Davidson of McPherson, and Sherrill (Richard) Slifer of Plevna; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister; and a grandson.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastors Teresa Wynn and Keith Dellenbach presiding. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, all at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorial gifts may be made to the church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.