Janice P. Geist

Janice P. Geist, 86 was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on October 4, 2025 at Wesley Towers. Jan was born September 22, 1939 in Cunningham, Kansas to Vernon and Mary Ratlief. She attended Halstead schools and graduated from Hutchinson High in 1957, and a month later married Stan Gruver. Their marriage produced two children, Don and Blythe. Jan and Stan divorced in 1975.

On March 27, 1991, she married the love of her life, Gary Geist. Jan and Gary had 34 wonderful years together camping, traveling, and enjoying their dogs and family, until he passed from cancer in 2024.

Jan worked at McDonalds, the three Hutchinson Ben Franklin stores, and retired from Wal-Mart after working for many years in the fabric department, a job that suited her well from sewing many clothes over the years. She was a long-time member of the Hutchinson First United Methodist Church.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Margery Elaine Baker; granddaughter, Kristin Gruver; and her husbands.

She is survived by; son, Don (Cindy) Gruver of Newton; daughter, Blythe (Tim) Wilkinson of Hutchinson; stepdaughter, Deb (Charles) Castinado of Alabama; stepson, Rusty Geist of Colorado; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

A graveside memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025, at Fairlawn Burial Park in Hutchinson, with Reverend Mik King presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Wesley or Hospice of Reno County, 1219 N. Main St. Hutchinson, KS 67501.