Geri Lynn Hughes (nee Schomaker), age 62, of Trenton, IL passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, surrounded by the love and support of her family. She fought off cancer like a true warrior for more than 4 years. Geri was born December 20, 1961, in Breese IL, the daughter of Edwin and Frieda (nee Wolters) Schomaker. She married Walter (Jode) Hughes on April 27, 1985, at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden, IL.
She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years. He was her main care provider throughout her cancer battle and was there to drive her to every appointment and treatment, in St. Louis, MO and Houston, TX, and was her rock of support each step of the way. She is also survived by her son, Ben (Jessica) Hughes of New Baden, IL; and her daughters Becky (Tyler) Schubert of O’Fallon, IL; and Katie (Addisson) Grimm of Cadiz, KY. In addition to her sister and best friend, Mary Lou Schomaker of New Baden, IL, she is also survived by her brothers, Jim (Darlene) Schomaker of Nashville, IL; and Don (Sherri) Schomaker of Germantown, IL. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Luke and Russell Schubert; and Harvey, Hailey and Henry Hughes, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Karen Schomaker; and father- and mother-in-law, Bill and Callie Hughes, as well as her brother-in-law, Chuck Hughes.
She was a 1980 graduate of Mater Dei High School in Breese, IL where she excelled in her studies and was a proud member of the marching band. As much as she enjoyed her own years at Mater Dei, she was even more delighted watching her three children excel in sports and the marching band program at her alma mater. She especially enjoyed committing her time and care to Mater Dei as a Band Mom. As a loving and equally proud “Nana,” she always enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s sports and school activities, seldom missing an event.
Geri was very proud of her many years of committed civil service as a secretary for several key offices at Scott Air Force Base, IL, in addition to her numerous years of service as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools in the Lebanon, IL School District. Her superior work ethic and genuine caring attitude towards others made her invaluable to those she supported daily and a pleasure to everyone with whom she interacted.
The family would like to extend a special appreciation to HSHS Hospice; and to the many close friends and family for their caring, supportive attitude and for helping navigate the final period of her life.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden. A burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made on Geri’s behalf to Mater Dei High School in Breese, IL or St. George Cemetery Fund and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 15 East Hanover Street, New Baden, IL 62265.
Online condolences may be made to the Hughes family by visiting www.nordikefuneralhome.com.
