Geraldine Emily O’Brien Hale, 85, of Columbia, KY passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, at her residence. She was born in Mankato, MN on May 8, 1940 to the late Kenneth Hubert and Alberta Elizabeth Williams O’Brien.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Charles Hale, Sr.

Mrs. Hale was a member of the Charity Baptist Church and enjoyed crafts, crocheting, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends.

SURVIVORS:

3 children: Donald Charles Hale, Jr. (Donna) of Valparaiso, IN, Ricky Hale (Kim) of Downers Grove, IL and Melody Hale Brown of Columbia, KY

1 brother: Larry O’Brien (Melissa) of Georgetown, IL

Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Chris Everett Hale, and four siblings: Dale, Wayne and Alan O’Brien and Patricia O’Brien Cardona.

Funeral Service: Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 3:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with Bro. David Karnes officiating

Visitation: Thursday after 12:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home

Burial: Bethania Cemetery in Justice, IL on Saturday

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.