Geraldine M. Shutt – 103 Years of Faith & Unconditional Love.
On September 15, 2024, 5 days from her 104th birthday, Geraldine Maricia Wickenheiser Shutt went to meet her Lord and Savior. Her Jesus whom she loved so dearly. Geraldine (Gerl, Gerry) was a loving, sweet spirited sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Full of joy and love to everyone she was around.
She was born September 20, 1920 to Frank and Mary Wickenheiser. She was second to youngest of 18 children and is the last of them all. As the daughter of a wallpaper hanger and homemaker, her upbringing, while humble, was not short on faith, family and love. She attended Holy Trinity Church and School. She volunteered making fasnacht’s in her younger years and had the privilege of meeting Willard Scott when he visited Holy Trinity. She was an active member of the school’s Mother’s Club and a member of the Altar Rosary Society. Along with her mother and eight sisters, the women were active members of the Loyal Order of the Moose. Geraldine was the Childcare Training Chair for many years with a purpose to raise money to help support orphaned children of Moose members.
June 26, 1942, she married William W. Shutt (Shutty) and set up housekeeping in Washington Boro. Two years later their son, William C. Shutt was born to them. Thirteen years later, their daughter, Ruth Ann Shutt Hinerdeer was born, Ruth Anne is married to Bryan Hinerdeer. Shutty passed away August of 1984.
Geraldine was blessed with 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Geraldine worked for Becker’s and spent over 10 years preparing lunches and cleaning rooms at the Wickensheiser Hotel (owned by her brother, Henry) in Landisville. She enjoyed canning, cooking, baking and loved sharing her foods with family and friends.
Many times, over the years, she opened her home for Sunday dinners for family and friends, and a bed to sleep in when needed.
Her favorite songs were Old Rugged Cross, You Are My Sunshine and Jesus Loves Me. Her advice to others was ‘don’t worry, be happy’, ‘treat yourself’ and ‘tell others what God has done in your life.’ As she ended each day, she reminded herself that “Jesus is with me, and Jesus loves me.” She carried Him close in her thoughts knowing that he is truly there and holding her in His loving arms. What a life example for all of us.
The woman of valor described in Proverbs 31:10-31 comes to mind when reflecting on Geraldine’s remarkable life. She is faithful and loves Jesus with all of her heart. She is a faithful bride. She is a loving mother and her children call her blessed. She takes care of her physical, mental, and spiritual health. She serves others with love and kindness. She is a wise steward of the gifts God has given her. She is a good manager of her home. She spends her time on that which is good. She is creative and embraces beauty and godliness.
She left a beautiful legend and will be truly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry Street, Columbia, PA 17512 with Rev. Fr. Daniel Mitzel, celebrant. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. with Mass beginning promptly at 11:00 a.m. Final commendation and farewell will be in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601 or www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org.
Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., Columbia/Landisville
