Geraldine Ruth Holdren, affectionately known as Jeri, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, in her home in Topeka, Kansas. Born December 24, 1950, in Concordia, Kansas, Jeri’s life journey was marked by her loving and thoughtful nature, her courageous spirit, and her unwavering dedication to her family and friends.
Jeri was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Thelma and George Holdren; her cherished son, Michael Holdren; her dear sister, Kathleen Tatro; and her brother, Dwight Holdren. Her niece Barbara Tatro-Tregellas. Despite these profound losses, Jeri’s capacity for love and her zest for life remained undiminished. She will be deeply missed by her brother, George Holdren (Mary) of Centralia, KS; her adoring grandchildren, Curtis, Cameron, and Keegan Holdren, and Brooklyn Helmick of Topeka, KS; her daughter-in-law, Amber Godwin (Michael) of Topeka, KS; her great-nephew, Emil Tregellas of Topeka, KS; her great-niece, Donna Smith (Briar) of Salina, KS; and a host of other loving family members who were fortunate to have been a part of her life.
Jeri’s passion for cooking was a well-known facet of her life. She relished the joy of sharing her recipes, each dish a testament to her culinary talents and her eagerness to bring people together. Her kitchen was a haven of warmth and delicious aromas, where laughter and stories were shared as freely as her sumptuous meals. Jeri’s love for word games was another source of pleasure and a reflection of her sharp mind and playful spirit. She found delight in the challenge of puzzles, the dance of letters, and the company of fellow wordsmiths.
In her interactions with others, Jeri was the embodiment of kindness and consideration. She had a natural ability to make those around her feel valued and cared for, touching many lives with her generous heart. Her courage faced life’s adversities with grace, inspiring those who knew her to find strength in their own challenges.
Jeri’s life was a vivid tapestry woven with the threads of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family. She lived by the words of Helen Keller, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” Her legacy is a beautiful testament to this belief, as those who loved her will continue to feel her presence in the deepest recesses of their hearts.
The memory of Geraldine Ruth Holdren will be cherished and celebrated by all who were privileged to know her. Her light, though no longer present in this world, will continue to shine brightly in the lives of her family and friends, guiding them with the love she so freely gave. Jeri’s journey on earth has concluded, but the stories of her love, her courage, and her zest for life will be recounted for generations to come, a lasting tribute to a remarkable woman whose impact was immeasurable.
