Geraldine Smith-McLear, 86, of St. Joseph, MI passed away on Friday, November 11 at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI.
Geraldine was born on February 4, 1930 in Bridgman, MI to the late Fredrick and Edith (Tatro) Rantz. She graduated from Dowagiac High School and received her associates degree in nursing from Lake Michigan College. Geraldine was an avid reader, loved music, thoroughly enjoyed her profession, but most of all loved her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Geraldine is survived by three daughters – Carol (James) Blocker of Berrien Springs, Susan (Warren) Gast of St. Joseph and Peggy (Phillip) Wakefield of Melbourne, FL; grandchildren – Jason Clark, Chad Gast, Whitney Blocker, Ryan Gast and Kara Wakefield; and seven great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her first husband – Frederick Smith and her second husband – Donald McLear; a daughter – Jeanine Smith-Hatcher; a grandson – Jeffery Blocker; and many brothers and sisters.
A Celebration of Life service will take place on Monday, November 14, 6:30P.M. at the Whitcomb in St. Joseph. Geraldine’s final resting place will be in St. Cloud, FL with her first husband Fredrick and with their daughter Jeanine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hanson Hospice Center. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.comlou