Geraldine M. Trimble

Geraldine Marie. Trimble, 92, of Pender, NE, surrounded by her children, left this world when God called her to her eternal home on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE.  The visitation will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in Pender with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m.  The funeral will be on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cornerstone Assembly of God Chruch in Pender.  Private family burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Pender.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Geraldine was born on the farm in Rosalie, Nebraska in 1932, to Clarence and Maggie (Beaudette) O’mara. Here she learned to love the farm and its way of life. In 1949 she graduated from Walthill High School and attended Wayne State College. In 1952 she married Donald Trimble and together they farmed near Walthill and Pender all of their lives.

Geraldine never hesitated to work. Early on she taught in rural country schools and then was a nighttime telephone operator, often having her children sleeping beside her on a cot. Later she worked as an assistant to Dr. Bohlin for over 30 years. After Don’s passing in 1994, she married Merlyn Smith in 1998.

Geraldine loved her home and her “Better Homes and Garden” lawn and flower garden, always keeping them pristine. Even after Merlyn’s passing in 2021, you would often see Geraldine mowing her yard and keeping things immaculate.

Geraldine hosted many family gatherings on holidays usually attended by up to 80 people. No one will ever forget her chocolate and carrot cakes and her chicken and noodles. At these events, no one was allowed to eat until everyone examined their heart to see if they were in a right relationship with Christ. She would always have a challenging spiritual talk and end with a prayer to make sure everyone had the chance to be ready to face eternity.

Geraldine loved her church and was often there bringing flowers, weeding garden beds, cleaning and praying. None of us will ever forget hearing and seeing her on her knees beside her bed. We would hear her praying for us. Though she is now gone from this life, none of us will ever forget her smile, her optimism, her joy and her faith.

We are all now challenged to live by the example that she taught us so that one day we will all reunite. 2 Timothy 4:7 truly fits Geraldine, “I have fought the good fight, I’ve finished the race and I’ve kept the faith.”

Geraldine is survived by her children, Mark (Nancy) Trimble of Pender, Don (Linda) Trimble of Sioux City, Jean (John) Hansen of Pender, Steve (Nancy) Trimble of Pender, Tami (Curtis) Ashmore of Omaha; 17 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents; Clarence and Maggie O’mara; her sisters, Erma Fahrenholtz and Dena Lampe; and her husbands Donald Trimble and Merlyn Smith.