Sr. Geraldine Eakes, 94, passed away June 28, 2025, at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse in Great Bend, Kan. She was born on Dec. 17, 1930, in Plains, Kan., the daughter of George and Barbara (Roth) Eakes. She entered the Dominican Sisters community in 1946 and pronounced vows in 1948. This year marks her 77th year of religious profession.
In 1957, Sr. Geraldine graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, Kan., and from 1949-1961, she taught in many schools in Kansas. From 1961-1965, she moved to the Motherhouse in Great Bend to become an assistant to the Junior Mistress as well as teaching at the Immaculate Conception Catholic High School from 1964-1965.
Upon receiving her master’s degree in theology from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind., in 1967, Sr. Geraldine shifted her focus to pastoral care, working in Great Bend and Wichita, as well as St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City where she comforted and prayed with many who experienced pain and trauma. In 1984, she took a Sabbatical in Webster Groves, Mo., returning to Kansas in 1985, where she worked as a Receptionist and PBX Operator for St. Joseph Hospital in Larned. From there, she took charge of The Rosary Shrine and communicated directly with the many patrons who asked prayers for a wide variety of issues.
In 1992, she began ministering with Heartland Center for Spirituality as Hospitality Coordinator. She was beloved by the groups and individuals who came to the Center. She also formulated a detailed Policy and Procedure Manual for the Center and a Safety Plan for the Motherhouse. After her retirement, she coordinated the Motherhouse receptionists.
Sr. Geraldine enjoyed reading, craft projects, and both word and jigsaw puzzles.
Survivors include sisters Mary Friesen and Frances McCreedy, as well as the Dominican Sisters of Peace. She is preceded in death by her parents; and brothers Jerome and Sylvester Eakes; and sisters Regina Walters, Cecilia Chinn, and Josephine Blacksten.
A Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025; and the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Both will be held at the Dominican Chapel of the Plains, Dominican Sisters of Peace Convent. Interment will follow at the Sisters’ Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in honor of Sister Geraldine may be sent to Dominican Sisters of Peace, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219-2098. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net. Arrangements are by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 1, 2025
