Geraldine Dales

Have you ever met someone who never knew a bad mood? Someone who woke up and went about her day with a pureness of spirit and was driven by her dedication to her sweet husband and children. Geraldine Hess Dales radiated a powerful kind of love, and she was loved so deeply. She was born in a small coal mining community called Splash Dam in the beautiful state of Virginia. She spoke of her childhood with fondness and always emphasized how happy they were there. She spoke of family picnics and sleeping under the stars and recounted stories of the great love between her mother and father, the late Crissie and Edward Hess. As a young woman, Geraldine worked at the local dime store and it was there she met Beegie Reece, who would become her sister-in-law. Beegie introduced my mother to her handsome young brother, Fern, and the rest is history, our history. We will forever be indebted to our sweet Aunt Beegie for the beautiful life we got to live with our mother and father. They loved us, they taught us to love each other unconditionally, and they showed us what love looks like when it lasts. They were not perfect, but they were perfect for us. We know they are hand in hand now and that gives us great comfort. Geraldine passed away August 30th, 2024, in our arms while we sang "I'll Fly Away" to her, one of her most favorite songs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Fern Dales, sisters Oma Simpson and Lorraine Charles, brother Ferl Hess, and son-in-law Willie Shaw Jr. She is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Shaw and Jennifer Dales, stepson Tim Cade, and her Aunt Shirley Ramey. Nieces and nephews that faithfully checked in on us and showed mom so much love, Verneal and Rose, Greg (Mary) Mullins, Blenda Longworth, Bob Ramey, Dave and Ramona Dales, Phyllis and Larry Davis, Diane and Mike Wheatley, Debbie and Steve Smith, and Bobby and Cammie Reece. We want to send special and heartfelt thanks to the friends and their families that have become part of our family along the way, they are as follows: Renee Hubbard, Robert Johnson, Sheila Myers, Christina Walker, Mark and Eva Ledbetter, and Kim Kirkbride. Additionally, we would like to express deep gratitude to Jenny and Victoria as well as the entire care team at Hospice of Central Ohio. Finally, even though they can't read this, we want to mention our beautiful pets, Jasper, Sugaree, and Pouncer for all of the unconditional love they gave mom. Pouncer especially will miss his lady. Honoring Geraldine's wishes there will not be calling hours and the close family and friends will gather for a private graveside service. Memorial Contributions can be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, OH 43055 Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Geraldine and her family.