Jolene Kay (Geist) Ehret

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Jolene Kay (Geist) Ehret, at her home on Friday, March 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. Jolene was a devoted mother to five children and the cornerstone of our family.

Jolene Kay Geist was born to Ida Rose Geist and Fred C. Geist on October 6, 1941, in Jamestown, North Dakota, in the same hospital where she would later give birth to her first child. She was the eldest of four sisters and is predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Konnie Geist and Linda Kelleran.

A lifelong Lutheran and member of the Church of the Lutheran Confession body of churches, Jolene married Richard Ehret of Plevna, Montana, on April 22, 1962. Richard, an army veteran, passed away in 1999. Throughout their marriage, they lived in various locations including Minnesota, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Germany, Kansas, and Fort Hood, Texas (now Fort Cavazos), where Richard retired from the army in 1979. They settled in Killeen, Texas, in 1976, where Jolene spent the remainder of her life.

She earned an associate degree in Business Management and worked at Keep On Booking, Crafts Etc., and Hobby Lobby, leaving a legacy of dedication and hard work.

Jolene was an avid reader, particularly fond of romance novels and attended romance novel conferences. Her passion for Celtic music led her to numerous festivals across Texas and Kansas, and she traveled to Ireland following Richard's death. Additionally, Jolene enjoyed crafting and sold her creations for several years. She volunteered her time at Families in Crisis and the Austin Celtic Music Festival.

She leaves behind a legacy of five children: Jay, Laurie, Richard Jr., John, and Kristen. Jolene instilled in them a love of reading, a foundation of faith in God, and acceptance of Jesus Christ. She supported them unconditionally, and all five siblings reside in Central Texas, regularly visiting her. In later years, John and Richard Jr (Rick) moved back home to care for her along with help from Kristen.

Jolene was known for her loving, opinionated, sometimes feisty nature, and unwavering support for her children. Her impact is felt deeply by her family's sense of loss. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents Ida and Fred Geist, her sisters Konnie Geist and Linda Kelleran, and her grandson Eric Barber. She is survived by her son Jay Ehret and his wife Carol of Waco, Texas; daughter Laurie Nunn and her husband John of Central Texas; sons Richard Ehret Jr. and John Ehret of Killeen, Texas; daughter Kristen Barber of Killeen; granddaughters Rose Barber and Marissa Barber, sister Penny Gillespie of Avondale, Arizona, several cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service is planned with family and friends.

We will forever miss Mom's encouraging voice, her unwavering love, her spirited personality, and zest for life. Her kindness, wisdom, and dedication to our family will continue to guide us.