Geraldine (Gerri) Lynn Ziegler, 96, of Palatka, FL, passed away on September 21, 2022 at the Palatka Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness following an extended illness.

Gerri was born in East Liverpool, Ohio January 7, 1926 to her parents, Gaylaird Boyce Cline and Letitia Anna Cline. She was predeceased by her sister, Maxine, and her brother, Richard.

Gerri married Ernest Sowards in 1947 and they had one son, Ernest Daniel Sowards born in 1957. Their marriage ended, and she later married Bob Ziegler in 1965 and they were married for 43 years. Gerri and Bob lived in Beaver, Pennsylvania, Lackawanna, New York, Chestertown, Indiana, and they then retired to Clinton, Missouri.

During much of her working career, she was an Executive Administrative Assistant. She could quote Robert's Rules of Order exactly. Gerri's hobbies included fishing, square dancing, and playing bridge. She loved birds and wrote about them in newspapers in both Indiana and Missouri. She also gave bird programs for different organizations.

Gerri became involved in the local chapters of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, GFWC, while in Chestertown, and later in Clinton, Missouri, serving as the Clinton club's president for three terms. In addition, she served on the state GFWC of Missouri Board and ended that term as its first vice president.

Following Bob's passing on September 22, 2008, Gerri moved to Palatka, FL in 2010 to live near her stepson, Tom Ziegler and his wife, Pat.  In 2012, Gerri joined the First Presbyterian Church. She was active in the choir and, in particular, with the Presbyterian Women where she served as an officer and received an Honorary Life Membership award in 2019.

Gerri is survived by one son, Ernest Daniel Sowards (Arlene) of Houston, TX; three stepsons, Tom Ziegler (Pat) of Palatka, FL, David M. Ziegler (Jamie) of Brandon, FL, and Steve Ziegler (Cathy) of Boone, NC; and one stepdaughter, Joan Vennerstrom of Jupiter.

Grandchildren include Danielle and Christopher Sowards, Dustin Graham, Whitney Ramsden (Clay), Lindsay Graham all of Texas, David C. Ziegler (Robin) and Matthew Ziegler (Mari), Sarah Ziegler, David M. Ziegler, Jr. (Meaghan) and Leslie Nobile (Dan) of Florida, Mark Ziegler, and Kelsey Dunning (Cory) of North Carolina.

Great grandchildren from Florida are Cole (Addie), Riley, Kyla and Scout, Liam and Drew, Aleyna and Gavin Ziegler, Danny, Isabella, Gabriella and Lucia Nobile, and Nora Dunning of North Carolina. Great Grandchildren from Texas are Kylee Graham, Elijah and Ezra Tracy, and Griffin Ramsden.

One great-great Grandchild, Vivian, daughter of Cole and Addie Ziegler.

Gerri had a very close friend, Linda Handlon, who she called her surrogate daughter of Anthem, Arizona. She and Gerri were best friends for over 40 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 15 ^th at the First Presbyterian Church in Palatka, FL with Pastor Clifford Lyda officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at a later date in Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, MO beside her late husband, Bob.  The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed on the church's website at fpcpalatka.com or on their Facebook page (First Presbyterian Church of Palatka).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerri's memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 123 S 2 ^nd Street, Palatka, FL 32177. Messages of sympathy may be shared on Gerri's online tribute page at www.themastersfuneralhome.com .

Masters Funeral Home of Palatka, FL is in charge of arrangements.

Inurnment will take place in the Englewood Columbarium in Clinton, Missouri at a later date and has been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.