Geraldine Beets Minnis, 74, Mountain City, Tenn., a native of Miami County, died Friday, May 7, 2004 in Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tenn.

She was born July 24, 1929, in the Pressonville community in Miami County, the daughter of Clyde J. and Vivian Edgell Beets. She was an eighth-grade graduate of Green Valley School in rural Osawatomie and attended Osawatomie High School graduating in 1947.

Her first marriage to Elton W. Smith ended in divorce.

She later married Dr. William M. Minnis, who preceded her in death.

Known as 'Geri', she had worked at several different occupations including that of a licensed practical nurse, cosmetologist, realtor and secretary.

Mrs. Minnis was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Mountain City, of Maple Chapter No. 79 of the Order of the Eastern Star and of her community.

Others preceding her in death included a sister, Pauline Caylor, and a brother, Roy Beets.

Survivors include a daughter, Carla Smith Barrios, Brentwood, Tenn.: a sister, Lola E. Beets of Rantoul: two brothers, Joseph E. Beets of Ottawa and Donald E. Beets of Letchworth, England; and two grandchildren.

A memorial service took place May 22 in the church.