Ernestine Geiger

Ernestine Geiger went on her home going journey, surrounded by family and friends, early Sunday morning, April 11, 2010, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, at the age of 58 years and 14 days. Ernestine was the second child of eight born to the union of the late George and Nadean (Jones) Wilder. She was born March 28, 1952 at Marion, Arkansas, near Heth. The Wilder family moved to Sikeston, Missouri, in 1955. Shortly thereafter, the Wilder family dynamics changed. When Ernestine was nearly seven, she and her five siblings moved into the home of Mrs. Bessie Berry, who became their legal guardian. The family attended West End Baptist Church, but Ernestine loved going to services at the church of God in Christ where the music and singing were fantastic. Ernestine was a very quiet, timid child. After high school, Ernestine met Charles Geiger, and started a new chapter in her life. After a three year courtship, they were married on May 31, 1973 in Junction City, Kansas. They shared nearly 37 years of marriage, and five children: Mary, Phyllis, Michael, Charlene and Alisha. Mary died in infancy, and Phyllis when she was 18 years of age. This quiet child and blossomed into a loving wife, mother, teacher and friend. She learned to enjoy good humor and a good laugh. Ernestine became a strong woman who loved conversation and cultivated real friendships. For many years, her best friend was also named Ernestine. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to really know her. She is now in heaven, an angel, free of pain, and watching over all of us. She leaves her husband: Charles; three children: Michael A. Geiger (Ada Faisca) and Alesha R. Geiger and Charlene R. Geiger, all of St. Robert; seven siblings: Ruthie D. Wilder of Chicago, IL, Leon Wilder (Paula) of Tampa, Florida, Jerry Wilder (Joanne) of Des Plaines, IL, Gloria D. Wilder of Danville, IL, James C. Wilder (Barbara) of Tampa, FL, Dennis Wilder (Paulette) of Memphis, TN and Pauline Louis of Kansas City, MO. She is also survived by her family’s matriarch, Mary Wilder of Moro, AR, and her equally large family of in-laws: M. Frances Blanding, Barbara Geiger and Lillie Ann Sanders all of St. Robert, Edna M. Geiger of Junction City, KS, Clarence Geiger of the state of TX and Claude Henry Geiger of St. Robert; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and two daughters, Ernestine is preceded in death by her mother-in-law: Mary Geiger and two sisters-in-law: Christine Smith and Juanita Coleman. A memorial service was held at 4:00 P.M. Friday, April 16, 2010 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory with Faye Kent officiating. The songs “Jesus Is the Light” and “Never Would Have Made It” were played. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ernestine Geiger and may be left at the funeral home.

Ernestine Geiger

March 28, 1952 - April 11, 2010