Barbara Geist

Barbara Jean Melchior Geist, 69, Topeka, passed away at her home after a short illness on Wednesday, February 9, 2005. Barb was born July 19, 1935 in Topeka, the daughter of Joseph J. and Mary J. Crettol Melchior. Her mother passed away when Barb was very young and her father married Frances Durkin, who was a loving mother to Barb. She survives. Barb was a lifelong Topeka resident. She attended Assumption School, graduated from Hayden High School in 1953, and earned her Registered Nurse (RN) designation from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1956. She worked at St. Francis Hospital and was a Certified School Nurse for District 501 for 28 years, retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Kansas State Nursing Association and the Kansas National Education Association. She was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish where she served on the School Board and was a funeral lunch volunteer. She served on the President Search Committee for Hayden High School, and volunteered for Let’s Help and the ERC. On September 8, 1956, 48 years ago, classmates and high school sweethearts, Barbara and Robert L. Geist were married at Assumption Church. He survives. Other survivors include her son, Joe Geist, and his wife, Kate, and their children, Joseph, Abigail, Steven, Michael, Grace and Daniel of Overland Park; her son, Mike Geist, and his wife, Debbie, and their children, Amy, Amanda, and Ryan of Topeka; her son, David Geist, and his wife, Jill, and their children, Sarah and Milton of Littleton CO; her son, Paul Geist, and his wife, Sharon, and their children, Erica and Melissa of Topeka; her brother, Jerome Melchior, Vincennes IN; and her brother-in-law, Joseph Edward Geist, Fayette MO. Barb will lie in state and family will greet friends from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 14, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church where Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated immediately following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Private inurnment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Hospice Care, Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, and Hayden High School, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Barbara Geist

July 19, 1935 - February 9, 2005