Geraldine Bagley Obituary

Private interment will be held at Prairieville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Twelve-Baskets Food Pantry, c/o the funeral home.

Age 98, passed away on November 22, 2025, in Kalamazoo surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Kalamazoo on April 6, 1927, the daughter of the late Martin and Tillie (Slater) Drenth. Geraldine was kind, loving and gentle. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. On July 28, 1945, she married Kenneth D. Bagley who preceded her in passing in 2000. Together they made their home in Kalamazoo and began to raise a family. When needed she filled in working for her parent's business, Star Garbage Service. Geraldine worked hard to make a home where the door was always open, and all were made to feel welcome. She was exceptionally crafty and artistic, skills she used in sewing, crocheting and making ceramics; all gifts she shared with her daughters. Geraldine enjoyed the quietness of her home and was most happy when her family visited. Her greatest joy in life came from watching her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren grow. Geraldine leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived and she will be missed by those who love her. She is survived by two daughters, Janet (Don) Ritsema, Norma Bagley; three grandchildren, Amy (Brad) Ramer, Mark (Laura) Ritsema, Kim (Eric) Erickson; twenty great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; many extended family and friends. She was also preceded in passing by brother, Peter (Virgina) Drenth; sisters, Henrietta (Ray) Tuttle, Emma (Lewis) Frazier, Minnie (Glen) Osborn; three stillborn daughters, Judith, Geraldine L. and Alice Bagley. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Geraldine's life will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM one hour prior to the service.