Geraldine Irene Rich, 97, passed away Monday, October 8, 2018, at Pioneer Lodge in Coldwater, KS. Born January 4, 1921, near Protection, KS, she was the daughter of Lyman Leroy and Dora Elva (Riggle) Park.

Geraldine was a lifetime resident of Protection, KS. She attended Prairie Queen Country School and graduated from Protection High School in 1939. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Protection, KS and helped host the annual Soil Conservation Day for many years.

On February 12, 1939, she married Lawrence Albert Rich in Kiowa, KS. He preceded her in death on June 28, 2009.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one son: Barry Lee Rich; one granddaughter: Cherlyn Grace Rich; one grandson: Steven Rich; a son-in-law: Jon Sawyers; three brothers: Clarence, Ray, and Alfred Park; and her twin sister: Geneva Davis.

She is survived by one daughter: Kay Sawyers of Protection, KS; three sons: Larry Rich (Alice) of Protection, KS, Jerry Jay Rich (Sara) of Protection, KS, and Randy Rich (Jill) of Manhattan, KS; eleven grandchildren: Don Sawyers (Sueann), Regina Bates (Brett), Ron Sawyers (Laura), Tobin Sawyers (Amber), Jeff Rich (Donna), Yvonne Stone (Taylor), Angela Moore (Lane), Lara Boyd (Matthew), Jon Rich (Carrie), Maryn Rich, and Carrie Moore; thirty-five great-grandchildren; twenty-one great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Calling times are from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 12, 2018, at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Service is at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 13, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Protection, KS, with Pastor Trever Ball presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Protection Township Library or Protection First Baptist Church in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.