Geraldine Elizabeth Cornett

Geraldine Elizabeth “Geri” Cornett, 81, of St. Martins, Missouri, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Heisinger West in Jefferson City.

She was born on February 1, 1945, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the daughter of Hubert Rustemeyer and Frances (Schulte) Rustemeyer.

Geri was a graduate of Russellville High School.

She was united in marriage to Harold Dwayne Cornett at St. Martin Catholic Church on September 26, 1964.  Harold preceded her in death on September 23, 1996.

Geri worked briefly at Cargill plant before dedicating over 25 years of service as a USDA Food Safety Inspector, a role in which she took great professional pride.

She was a lifelong member of St. Martin Parish.

In her younger years, Geri was an active member of the Capital City Road Riders motorcycle club and later with the St. Martin quilting circle.  She was a longtime leader in Girl Scouts and 4-H.  She enjoyed writing poetry and articles, tending to her flower garden and greenhouse, reading, quilting, and collecting knickknacks such as miniature purses, shells, starfish, and dolphins.

She is survived by her children, Sam (Tonna) Cornett, Jefferson City, and Francie (Stan) Balke, Mary’s Home; five grandchildren, Nick Snyder, Amanda Snyder, Dalton Tolbert, Garrett Tolbert, and Jacob Balke; six great-grandchildren, Kat Balke, Ash Balke, Felix Balke, Grayson Tolbert, Nora Tolbert, and Amelia Tolbert; one sister, Joann Prenger, Omaha, Nebraska; and three sisters-in-law, Catherine Rustemeyer, JoAnn Rustemeyer, and Mary Rustemeyer  

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; and her siblings, Stanley, John, and Bernard Rustemeyer; Margaret Brendel and Mary Melcher.

Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City, with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.  An additional visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., Thursday, at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martins, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Nicholas Reid officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Martin Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Samaritan Center or to the St. Martin Catholic Church Capital Campaign.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.  trimblefunerals.com

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