Geraldine Kennemer

Geraldine Kennemer, a remarkable woman whose generosity, wit, and compassion touched countless lives, passed away on April 10, 2025, at the age of 99. In her passing, she was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Harold-a long-awaited reunion she had looked forward to for nearly 35 years. Adored by her loved ones, Geraldine leaves a legacy of love, warmth, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Born in Redfork, Oklahoma, on December 21, 1925, she was known for her kind heart, sharp humor, tireless dedication to others, and the kind of warm hugs that made you never want to let go. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Kennemer; father, Claude Johnson, and mother, Lottie Johnson; great-grandchild, Wyatt Griffith; and many other extended family members and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Renae Marshall, and husband, Jack, of Broken Arrow; and her son, Kevin Kennemer, and wife, Anita, of Tulsa. Affectionately known as "Meme," she was a beloved grandmother to grandchildren Natalie Lowery and her spouse, Traci Goodwin; Ryan Marshall, and his spouse, Amy Marshall; Jackie Griffith, and her fiance, Mike Sudano; Brittany, and her spouse, Kyle Hulsizer; Elizabeth Conwell, and her husband, Austin Conwell; and Katherine Kemp, and her spouse, Christian Kemp. She is also survived by nineteen great-grandchildren, Kaleb Lowery, Conner Lowery, KamiLynn Marshall, Brynlee Marshall, Beckett Marshall, Harrison Marshall, Raine Griffith, Kenzie Griffith, Jase Griffith, Sawyer Griffith, Dylan Hulsizer, Eliza Hulsizer, Brodie Conwell, Blakely Conwell, Allie Conwell, Harper Conwell, Winston Kemp, Charlotte Kemp, and Eloise Kemp. She is also survived by her sister, Nadine Barton, and her brother, Noel Johnson, both of Alton, Missouri, as well as other beloved members of her extended family. Her family finds solace in knowing her extraordinary kindness, creativity, humor, and love will live on in the lives she impacted. Family and friends fondly remember her as someone who was always in good spirits. As she grew older, her conversational filter became delightfully candid, making her presence memorable and endearing. Geraldine extended her love to everyone around her, treating her son-in-law, Jack, and daughter-in-law, Anita, as though they were her own children. Geraldine made a lasting impact from the cozy 932 square foot house she called home for over 60 years, proving that true greatness comes from the heart, not the size of the space we inhabit. She loved to spend her time at home reading and crocheting, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. As a mother, Geraldine's kind heart shone through even in discipline. Her gentle yet effective approach involved nothing more than a small fly swatter to get her children's attention, a testament to her loving and patient nature. Later in life, Geraldine learned to drive, a milestone she achieved in her forties. Her driving adventures became family legends, particularly the time she accidentally drove into the shut garage door of her own home, resulting in claims with both the homeowners and car insurance. This endearing mishap was a reminder of her tenacity and ability to embrace life's challenges with humor and grace. Geraldine never lost her sense of humor-or her sweet tooth. She always kept a large basket of candy and Little Debbie snacks in her house, treating it like an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a ziplock bag of Werther's Originals and Strawberry Bon Bons in her purse - perfect for quieting rowdy kids in church or satisfying a craving for something sweet. At 99, she knew a high-calorie snack did not matter and delighted in sharing her goodies with visitors of all ages. For years, she was also a member of a weight club that would meet weekly. The weight loss meetings were often followed by a cheerful gathering at a high-calorie breakfast at a local restaurant, a perfect example of her ability to find joy and balance in life's quirks. While Geraldine's husband loved camping and fishing, she had a different approach to those trips. Unfond of water, summer heat, and unable to swim, Geraldine spent most of her time relaxing in their air-conditioned RV while he enjoyed the outdoors. During one particularly memorable camping trip to Colorado, the couple accidentally took a wrong turn and found themselves driving down the small town's main street, unknowingly joining a parade, a moment of unintentional hilarity that perfectly captured their adventurous spirit. A devout Christian, Geraldine's faith was the cornerstone of her life. Each night, her family would often hear her fervently praying and calling out to God to bless her loved ones. In those moments, it was as though heaven came down, and God's presence could be felt in her room. Her unwavering devotion and heartfelt prayers were a source of strength and comfort to all who knew her. If anyone needed prayer, they knew MeMe was the one to call. Geraldine's generosity extended to every holiday season, where she insisted on giving presents or money to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was affectionately known as Santa's version of an ATM, spreading joy and love with her thoughtful gifts. A time-honored tradition at Christmas was "MeMe's strings," a custom that began when her son, Kevin, received cymbals for his drum as a kid, too large to fit under the tree. Over the years, each member of the family received their own "string" - a crocheted block with their name on it and a long piece of yarn - with a gift waiting at the end. Among her many contributions, she lovingly crocheted over 6,000 blankets and countless hats for Joy in the Cause, an organization committed to providing backpacks for children in crisis, Care Packages for those battling cancer and other life-altering illnesses, and support for first responders aiding children in need. Through her work, Geraldine brought comfort, compassion, and joy to the community she cherished. Geraldine's dedication to Joy in the Cause was recognized in an interview with KJRH, where she proudly displayed her creations and shared heartfelt advice on living a long and fulfilling life. A celebration of Geraldine's life will be held at Moore Southlawn Chapel. Friends and family are invited to honor her memory and reflect on how she made the world brighter, better, and more full of God's love. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Joy in the Cause, an organization close to her heart, to continue her mission of spreading comfort and joy to those in need. Location: 5550 S. Garnett Road, Suite 300, Tulsa, OK 74146. Online: www.joyinthecause.org/donate . Make note that your contribution is in remembrance of Geraldine Kennemer.

Geraldine Kennemer

December 21, 1925 - April 10, 2025