Mary Geraldine Small passed peacefully on December 10, 2020, at age 79. Born to Joseph Truman and Marie Rose (Gilles) Ling (both deceased), she was the loving wife of Darrell Small (deceased), beloved mother of Gary Small (Jane), of Shaker Heights, Ohio, dear grandmother to Chloe Marie and Madeline Grace Small of New York City and beloved sister of Joseph (Andy) Ling (deceased), Rose Holbrook (deceased), Robert (Sue) Ling, of Beaver Dam KY, William (Bill) Ling of Owensboro KY, Martha (David) Crooks, of Ottawa KS, and Larry Eugene Ling (deceased). Geri also treasured her 21 nieces and nephews.
A loving wife, mother, daughter and sister, equally happy to answer to Geraldine, Geri, or Mary depending upon when you may have met her over her life, Geri was most devoted to her family and her faith. She was always ready with counsel and advice, and prepared to lend a hand. The Catholic Church was most important to her and she was a devoted parishioner at St. Bernard, Rockport and St. Lawrence and Holy Spirit Parish at Geist (Indianapolis), over her lifetime.
Geri graduated from Rockport High School and married Darrell in 1959. They began a family, and soon moved to Indianapolis where Geri resided for more than 50 years. Many dear friends were made along the way. Geri managed the finances of the family business and worked outside the home at Lippmann & Associates, Oxford Development, Dellen Olds, and was a long-time business office manager for Dale Horning Roofing while also working in the parish office at St. Lawrence. She was an active member of NAWIC during her career.
Geri loved to travel over the United States to see the sites and old friends and family. She relocated to the Cleveland, OH area in 2014 to be closer to her immediate family. She faced life’s challenges with a very positive, “can do” approach, and her thoughts were never far from her family located both near and far away.
The family is most appreciative of the wonderful care she received over the years provided by The Weils Assisted Living Center, the Robinson Memory Care Unit, and the Montefiore Vinney Hospice Team. She remained happy and engaged, and felt safe and secure thanks to their professional staff and caring approach.
Geri was laid to rest next to Darrell in a private ceremony presided over by Fr. Ron Kreilein at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. A memorial mass will be held at a later time due to the current COVID environment. Remembrances and condolences can be placed on the Boultinghouse Funeral Home website at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
