Geraldine H. Laurie , 92, Topeka, KS., wife of former Mayor of Atchison David Laurie, died Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at the Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, KS.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, March 7, 2011 at the First Christian Church with Rev. Lee Hendon officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, KS. Visitation will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 pm on Sunday, March 6th, 2011 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Christian Church Scholarship Fund or the Atchison YMCA and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Geraldine Merritt was born on Oct. 25, 1918 in New York, NY the daughter of Charles and Helen (Chalfant) Merritt. She graduated from Atchison High School in 1937. Mrs. Laurie worked for a short time as a legal secretary for the late Attorney Bob Duncan's office. She was a housewife and homemaker for most of her life. Mrs. Laurie was a member of the First Christian Church, and Deaconess Emeritus of the church, a member of the Christian Women's Fellowship, Junior Guild, Eastern Star, and Atchison Bridge Club. She taught water aerobics at the Atchison YMCA for over 17 years, and was active in recreational sports. She enjoyed bowling, softball, swimming, golf, playing bridge and toll painting. Mrs. Laurie was an avid Kansas State Wildcat fan.

She was married to David R. Laurie, Sr. on Sept. 6, 1939 at the First Christian Church, Atchison, KS. Mr. Laurie preceded her in death on Nov. 29, 2009. Survivors include three sons; John Laurie, Overland Park, KS., David (Claudette) Laurie, Manhattan, KS., and Phil (Kay) Laurie, Topeka, KS ., a brother; Douglas Merritt, Atchison, KS., nine grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. Her parents, husband David, and sister, Nan all preceded her in death.