Geraldine Lois "Jerry" Abbott was born on Thursday, November 24, 1927, in Homewood, Kansas. She was the daughter of Kester A. and Fidelia (Cuadra) Graffham. A lifelong Franklin County resident, Jerry made her home in Ottawa until her death on Friday, May 2, 2008, at the age of eighty years.

Jerry graduated from Williamsburg High School with the class of 1945. She then graduated from the Lawrence Business College.

In the 1940's, Jerry worked as a teller at People's Bank in Ottawa. From the 1950's to 1980's, she was a daycare provider for many Ottawa children.

Jerry was a devoted member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, of Ottawa, serving as an Elder, and active in Westminster Presbyterian Women. She was a member of E.H.U. (Extension Homemaker's Unit) and T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), serving as an officer. She and her husband started four square dance clubs, Kuntry Kuzzins, Guys and Gals, Frontier Twirlers and Sunflower Steppers. She taught square dancing at Ottawa University four years, and also taught for the Rambling Ranchers 4-H Club, and Ottawa Promenaders.

Jerry's greatest enjoyment came from her family and many friends. She was a people person who never met a stranger and dearly loved all the children she cared for through the years. Jerry's eyes, smiles, and hugs reflected her genuine love for everyone.

On October 19, 1947, Jerry was united in marriage with William M. "Bill" Abbott at Church of the Brethren in Ottawa. He preceded her in death on September 2, 2005. She is also preceded in death by her parents.

Jerry is survived by two sons, Garry Abbott and his wife, Beth, of Ottawa, Robert W. "Bob" Abbott of Littleton, Colorado; daughter, Susan Kay Abbott of Ottawa; sister, Phyllis Cooper and her husband, Frank, of Ozawkie, Kansas; six grandchildren, Ashlie Powell and her husband, Sean, Josh Abbott, Kyle Abbott, Matt Abbott, Brooke Abbott, Alyssa Abbott; and four great-grandchildren, Meagan Powell, Brodie Powell, Tanner Abbott, Madisyn Abbott.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ottawa at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.

IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mrs. Abbott at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Tuesday evening.

CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas.

MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation or Westminster Presbyterian Church, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.