Geraldine Crabtree Puckett

Geraldine Crabtree Puckett, age 80, widow of Cecil Thomas “Tom” Puckett, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Baptist Health in Corbin, Kentucky, surrounded by her family. She was the oldest of four children, born in a cabin in Bowen, Kentucky, on July 24, 1945, to the late Charlie Crabtree and the late Lovel Spangler Crabtree. She helped raise her three younger brothers, whom she loved dearly. At a very early age, Geraldine began babysitting and doing housework for local friends. She went on to work various jobs and made many life-long friends from Sylvania and Parker Seal. Geraldine's favorite job was teaching adult education. She thoroughly enjoyed going into the homes of her students and preparing them for their GED. Later in life, Geraldine enjoyed working at Walmart, greeting individuals, while sometimes singing with them and other times sharing the Gospel. That is, when she wasn't running shoppers down when they were trying to steal items. Geraldine had no fear, only determination! Her final job was as a caregiver. Geraldine loved this because she felt blessed to serve others in their homes, where she became like family to them. Geraldine was loved by everyone who came into contact with her. With her beautiful smile, unstoppable energy, warm personality, and great sense of humor, she quickly made others feel comfortable and loved. Geraldine loved people and thrived when she was able to share that love and affection. She filled each room with her energy and loving presence. She truly never met a stranger. Geraldine had a servant's heart and loved nothing more than cooking for her family as well as everyone else she invited into her kitchen. When sitting at her table, you quickly found yourself surrounded by some of the best home cooking you could find anywhere, and not just a few dishes. Geraldine felt like everyone needed two or three meats, five or six sides, a couple of salads, and some type of bread, and don't forget the three or four desserts. She was known for her delicious chicken n' dumplins that were often requested of her. Geraldine welcomed everyone to her table and would adopt them as her own. Singing was another love of hers. She took great pleasure in sharing the love of God while traveling to churches and singing with her husband, Tom, and their friends. Geraldine's faith was very important to her, and she grew closer and closer to the Lord as time went on. Her faith grounded her, and she was an inspiration to many. Geraldine's heart was her family. Her daughters were the center of her life, that is, until her two handsome grandsons came along. They melted her heart and became the apples of her eye. Geraldine was a wonderful mother and grandmother who always put her children and grandchildren before herself. She was definitely and completely their biggest fan. Geraldine also loved her brothers, sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces. She adored them all. Until her final day, when Jesus escorted her to her Heavenly home on January 13th, 2026, Geraldine maintained her amazing sense of humor; not even dementia could steal that away. She loved to make people laugh and didn't care to make any face or dance move to accomplish that. Geraldine's smile and laugh were contagious. She lived her life big and vibrant for all to see and for all to feel blessed having known her. Geraldine attended Clay City First Church of God before moving to Corbin and joining Frankfort Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, Geraldine is preceded in death by two step-children, Sheila Denise Frymyer and Tonja G. Puckett; one brother, Shirley Clayton Crabtree; one sister-in-law, Bonnie Jean Roberts Crabtree; and a niece, Shirlene Crabtree. She is survived by two daughters: Tammra (Chris) Routson of Findlay, Ohio, and Larrietta (Bill) Elliotte of Corbin; three step-children: Tommy (Susan) Puckett, Tammy Puckett, both of Clay City, and Jed (Tammy) Puckett of Stanton; two brothers: Chester (Ruby) Crabtree of Stanton, and Lonnie (Kimberly) Crabtree of Bowen; three sisters-in-law: Joan Hall, Gearlene (Lenwell) Pasley and Maxine O'Hair, all of Clay City; two grandchildren: Christopher Routson, of Toledo, Ohio, and Reed Elliotte of Corbin; six step-grandchildren: Brandi (Nick) Kleem, Jeremy (Haley) Elliotte, Tara Puckett, Travis Puckett, Laryn Puckett, and Krana Puckett; three step-great-grandchildren: Cameron McIntosh, Lily Dailey, and Anna Kate Elliotte; nine nephews: Charlie (Leanne) Crabtree, Donavan (Ingrid) Crabtree, Travis (Stacie) Crabtree, Lawrence (Sarah) Crabtree, Chester Ray Crabtree, Willie Crabtree, Brandon Crabtree, Avery (Jamie) Crabtree of Lexington, and Brad Lee Crabtree; numerous great nieces and nephews; and a special caregiver, Stephanie Smith of Corbin. Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral Services, officiated by Bro. James Hodge and Bro. Brad Epperson will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Special singing will be provided by Reed Elliotte, The Walkers, James Hodge, and The Crabtree Boys. Burial will be held at Sissy’s Garden Cemetery in West Bend, Kentucky, with Chester Ray Crabtree, Donavon Crabtree, Greg Crabtree, Lawrence Crabtree, Travis Crabtree, Reed Elliotte, Gary Spurrell, and Christopher Routson serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Avery Glen Crabtree, Brad Lee Crabtree, Brandon Crabtree, Charlie Crabtree, Willie Crabtree, Jean Crabtree, Stephen Harrison, Betty Taulbee, and Hugh Reed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.