Geraldine Emily O’Brien Hale, 85, of Columbia, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, at her residence. She was born in Mankato, Minnesota on May 8, 1940, to the late Kenneth Hubert and Alberta Elizabeth Williams O’Brien. She was 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 include three children, Donald Charles Hale, Jr. (Donna) of Valparaiso, Indiana, Ricky Hale (Kim) of Downers Grove, Illinois, and Melody Hale Brown of Columbia; a brother, Larry O’Brien (Melissa) of Georgetown, Illinois; and 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 services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with Bro. David Karnes officiating.
Visitation will be held on Thursday after noon at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Bethania Cemetery in Justice, Illinois on Saturday.
