Geraldine Jaeger

Geraldine Mae Royalty Jaeger 72, of Englewood, Colorado, passed away at home March 22, 2021 after a long battle with COPD.

Gerri was born January 17, 1949, to Evelyn (Lucas) and Auda Royalty in McDaniels, KY. She grew up there with her two older sisters, Carol Ann and Merlene, and her younger brother, Kenny, surrounded by a large extended family. Gerri graduated from Breckinridge County High School. She met Jerome Kempf while working at Fort Knox, and they married in November 1974. After they moved to Denver, CO, they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer Margaret, and son, Travis Christopher. Gerri and Jerry divorced, and Gerri met Robert (Bob) Jaeger through mutual friends. They married in July 1993, and the blended family welcomed Bob’s sons Matthew Robert, and Benjamin.

Gerri worked a variety of jobs, including at Fort Knox, the Federal Center in Denver, and the Denver Mint. She owned her own quilt shop in Fruita, CO for several years. She also loved volunteering and served many years involved in her children’s PTO groups. Gerri loved reading, fast cars (even raced in high school), and traveling to new places with people she loved. She played the piano and sang beautifully. Those who knew and loved her know how much she enjoyed sewing and quilting. She made quilts for those she loved, which became treasured keepsakes for anyone who received one. She had a very kind heart and often struck up conversations with strangers. With great strength, perseverance, humor, and that big heart she was a blessing to her friends and family, and the world was a better place because she was in it.

Gerri was preceded in death by parents Evelyn and Auda Royalty, sister Carol Ann Kearse, and father-in-law Robert Jaeger. She is survived by her loving husband Bob Jaeger; sister Merlene Reynolds, brother Kenny Royalty; children Jennifer (Justin) Kirkland, Travis (Melissa Bodkin) Kempf, Matt (Rebecca Blatt) Jaeger, and Benjamin (Heather) Jaeger; brother-in-law Richard Jaeger; grandchildren Jalyne Kirkland, Adria Holst; Josie Jaeger, Piper Jaeger, Forest Blatt-Jaeger, and Willow Blatt-Jaeger; many cousins, aunts, and uncles, and countless friends who were like family to her.

Gerri wished to be cremated and did not want a memorial service. A small gathering may be held later in the spring. Gerri’s family would like to say thank you to Michelle Peterson and Jacque Wallis, who took amazingly good care of her, and to Denver Hospice for being there when we needed you.