Geraldine L. "Geri" Whitehead, 70, Rapid City, died Saturday, October 16, 2010, at Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice of the Hills.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2010, at the Destiny Four Square Church in Rapid City with Pastor Brent Parker officiating.  Inurnment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs, SD, at a later date.

Geri was born April 14, 1940, in Hot Springs, SD, to Garold and Alta Johnson.  She attended the first 8 years at McClellan school in Custer County, graduating from Hot Springs High School in 1957.

Geri married Jim Whitehead on May 23, 1957, in Rapid City.  They lived and worked on the Johnson ranch near Dewy, SD.  To this union, four children were born.  They moved to Rapid City in 1960.

After being a stay-at-home mom for nearly 18 years, she went to work as an alcoholism counselor in Pierre.  She worked at several alcohol programs throughout the years.

In 1976, she married Roger Franklin in Pierre (now deceased).  In 1983, Geri married Vernon Elliott in Hot Springs (now deceased).

As many of you know, Geri had a long battle with alcoholism herself.  She had been sober since September 17, 2000.  After being diagnosed with cancer, Geri said that she was going to pray for more sober, happy years, the best years of her life.

Her most fulfilling job was at the Women Against Violence shelter, where she worked for 10 years.  After retiring, she devoted her time to helping others.  She fixed meals for those who were hungry.  She provided transportation for those who had none. She organized lots of parties, picnics, and games at their community center.  She made an apartment complex into a community, not just a place to live.

Really, Geri did not ever stop working.  She gave every day of her life.

Geri would like to thank all of her family and friends who have done awesome acts of kindness through her journey with cancer.  God Bless all of you.

Survivors include her four children, Don (Donna) Whitehead, Sturgis, Debra Whitehead, Rapid City, Dennis Whitehead, Florence, AZ, and Duane Whitehead, Keystone; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Bernitta Keene, Chadron, NE; one brother, Edwin Johnson, Sperryville, VA; her stepfather, Bryon Cox, Chadron, NE; two aunts; eight nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two husbands.

A memorial has been established to offset medical bills.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.