Mary Anna Chase Geiger
December 05, 2022
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Mary Chase Geiger, 84, passed away December 5, 2022. She was born on October 25, 1938 in Ames, Iowa at Mary Greeley Hospital to Francis and Nellie Chase. She graduated from Ames High School in 1956 and from Iowa State University in 1961 as a teacher. Mary loved children and worked as a teacher, speech coach, play director, and a business manager at a psychology firm.
Mary’s family was her pride and joy. In addition, she enjoyed traveling, swimming, working puzzles, going to plays, and volunteering as a speech coach.
Mary attended her 40th class reunion and reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Don. The couple married in 2001 and settled in West Des Moines. They traveled extensively and enjoyed life together.
Mary is survived by her husband, Don Geiger; children, Steve Girvan of Omaha, NE, Dan (Gwen) Girvan of Maple Grove, MN, Robert (Aisha) Girvan of Dallas, TX; son-in-law, Bryan Stephenson of Alviso, CA; step-sons, Scott Geiger of Minnetonka, MN and Kyle (Connie) Geiger of Waukee, IA; sisters, Elinor Almquist of Red Oak, IA and Janet Collins of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Scott (Ashley) Girvan, Sean (Tara) Nouveau, Becca (Matt) Zellmer, Tim Girvan, Allison Girvan, Adam Girvan, Hunter Girvan and Logan Girvan; great-grandchildren, Nakia, Londyn, and Blaise Girvan, Aria Fineday, Cooper Zellmer and Nora Nouveau.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Doris and Betty; and her daughter, Kathy.
A reception in honor of Mary will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa Public Radio or Salvation Army.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Joe and Barbie Costello
12/28/2022
Don and family. So sorry to hear of Marys passing. We will always remember
Marys friendly personality. We will keep you in our thoughts. Take Care!
Bonnie Ekse
12/08/2022
Mary, thank you for your loving kindness in keeping our extended family together. Your inclusiveness made us feel so welcome. You've always been interested in what's happening in our lives. You've been there to help us celebrate, to visit us when hospitalized or when we're grieving. I'll miss your energy, your zest for living, your stories, your sage advice, your sense of humor, your infectious laugh. You've been part of my life since I was twelve. I'll always miss you.
We'll hold the entire family close to our hearts as we all grieve.
Barb Horak
12/08/2022
Oh Mary. If you had to leave us I'm glad that it was not long, lingering and painful. Rest in Peace and we will surely miss you. You were the one that kept all sides of the family in touch through your day-after Thanksgiving family gatherings, and we were always so grateful that we had a chance to see all our nephews and nieces and their kids and the great-grandchildren all in one place. Otherwise, we may not have seen them for years! We will miss your spark for life and your laugh. Sending out our love to all the family at this sad time.
Jim Girvan
12/08/2022
Ive known Mary most of my life, both as a child and and adult, and always found her to be kind and generous. Her engaged inquisitive nature was a joy to be around, always quick to laugh and ready to have fun. I still think about the baked goods she made and her special potato salad. She was the rock of her family. A kind loving Mother, Grandmother, spouse, and friend who will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to her family and friends of which I was glad to count myself as one.