"Geraldine was my loving grandmother, I didn't know anybody else that was loving as her. We continue to miss her and we know she watches over her son all the time, bless her. And Larry knowes his gardian angel is always watching. Bless Great Grandma Reidfor I know we'll see her some day. Once we see her smile we will know everythings okay. "
In loving memory of
Geraldine Anna Reid
December 25, 1919 - June 24, 2012
Geraldine Anna (Rhode) Foster Reid, the youngest of five children of Lucy Anna (Kemp) and Alonzo Lyman Rhode, was born on December 25, 1919 in Tabor, Iowa. She grew up on a farm near Tabor and graduated from Tabor High School. Geraldine worked at the Good Samaritan in Tabor for four years while attending St. Joseph Nursing School in Omaha, Nebraska.
Geraldine and Vernard Leon "Hap" Foster were united in marriage and were blessed with two children, Larry Lee and Jacquelyn Lucille. In 1957, Geraldine began work at the Nishna Cottage, a former hotel building, in Malvern, Iowa. She and Hap purchased the Nishna Cottage in 1959. Hap died of a heart attack on March 4, 1963.
Geraldine and John Arthur "Jack" Reid were married in 1970. They built a new nursing home in Malvern, named it the Nishna Care Center, and operated both facilities. Jack passed away on May 28, 1981. Following his death, Geraldine sold the care center and continued to operate the Nishna Cottage until her retirement in 2005, at the age of 87. Soon after, Geraldine and her son Larry moved to live near Glenwood, Iowa.
Geraldine spent most of her life attending the Reorganized Latter-Day Saints Church in Tabor until the church closed. She attended services at the Malvern United Methodist Church and many times brought Nishna Cottage residents and staff with her. Geraldine was a member of the Southwest Iowa Nursing Home Association and served as president for four years.
Geraldine was thrilled to have traveled to the Holy Land. She devoted her life to taking care of the elderly and sick. Her strong faith guided her through many difficult times. Geraldine especially loved spending time with her family and friends.
Due to declining heath, Geraldine moved to Tabor Manor in 2009. She passed away on June 24, 2012 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of 92 years, 5 months, and 29 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Hap Foster and Jack Reid; daughter Jackie O'Banion; brothers, Wayne Rhode and wife Inez, Harold Rhode and wife Dola; and sisters, Winifred Elefson and husband Harve, and Bernice McMahill and husband Harold.
Geraldine is survived by her son Larry Foster of Tabor; grandchildren, Tammy Kivett and husband Bruce of Tonganoxie, KS, Jerry Foster and wife Jeanette of Glenwood, Brenda Foster of Randolph, IA, Paul Foster of Malvern, Louie O'Banion and wife Denise of Glenwood, and Rodney O'Banion of Tabor; eight great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.
No scheduled visitation. Memorial services will be Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 11 AM at the Nazarene Church in Tabor. Private Inurnment. A memorial fund has been established.
Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern assisted the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"My grandma-Helen Kahl- worked for Ms. Reid for many years. She was always very kind to me and my family and to those that lived at the cottage. She treated all the residents as if they were family. She will be missed"
"She was such for the short time I knew her my husband was so impressed wikth being her CNA that he brouhgt me and our grandaughter to meet her our 4 year old we are raising due to the loss of daughter knew her as the candy lady she welcomed her into her heart and was welcomed her into ours she will be missed our Prayers are with you and yours in this time of sorrow"
"I have good memories of her as well, My thoughts & prayers are with the you at this diffuclt time. I never worked for her, but we all know Rick did."
"I have many fond memories of Geraldine. She put the needs of so many ahead of her own throughout the years. Geraldine with be truly missed by those who knew and loved her. You have my deepest and heartfelt sympathy. "
"Thoughts and prayers for the family. Geri was the greatest employer and caring person. She went out on a limb to hire and train me she treated everybody with the upmost respect and consideration and She truely was A Fine Lady."
"So sorry for your loss:( My mom(Irene Mabbitt) and myself worked for Hap and Gerry in Malvern. Gerry did alot of great things for Malvern and she will be greatly missed by the community. God Bless"
"I worked for her as well as my mother did for years.She was a very caring lady. She helped so many people Gave me a job when i needed one. She will always be remembered as lady with cute little dog Foxy lady. My thoughts go out to larry and family. "
"i was one of her C.N.A.s at tabor manor and had the honor of takeing care of her she was a wonderful lady witha beautiful and careing spirit she treated me as a friend and we talked daily my favorite memory was of her asking me to take her socks off because i she said i treated her like a lady ,she will be missed dearly my thoughts and prayers to the family"
"my father worked for her at the nishna cottage. my sister and i grew up around there. she was like a grandmother to us our thoughts and prayers are with the family "