Geraldine was born on June 20, 1932, in Defiance, Ohio. She was the second oldest of Sylvens G. and Doris N. (Grant) Taylor’s four children. She graduated from Morenci Community Schools.
Geraldine married Leroy Hephner and had three children before his passing. Geraldine married her second husband Russell Willet and they celebrated 4 years before his death in 1994.
Geraldine was involved in her children’s lives while growing up as she took on the role of both Brownie and Cub Scout leader. Geraldine worked in several different areas of employment over the years. She has experience working as a certified nursing assistant and telephone operator before moving on to the assembly line, where she worked at Fayette Tubular and Morenci Rubber Plant. Geraldine has been a long-time member of Medina Federated Church. She was a skilled seamstress, creating beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. Geraldine’s talents included decorating cakes for friends and family, to showing her woodworking ability with the scroll saw. Geraldine could accomplish whatever she put her mind to.
She is survived by her children, Mary Lou Rigden, Robert (Cathy) Hephner and Keith (Cheryl) Hephner; grandchildren, David W. (Rebecca) Rathbun, Patricia (Donat) Ratell, Brad (Megan) Webster, Justin Hephner, Angela Jackson, Sean Hephner, Tina (Jeff) Buntain, Sara Connin, Jessica Hephner, Cheryl (Nathan) Irwin, and Shannon (Jeff) Crox; and numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. Geraldine was preceded in death by her husbands, Leroy Hephner and Russ Willet; brothers, Paul Taylor and John Taylor, son-in-law, Raymond Rigden; grandson, Keith Hephner, Jr; and sister, Helen Rosebrook.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian with Pastor Darren Lemmon officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Morenci.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation, Hospice of Lenawee or to Medina Federated Church.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com
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