Ethel Alberta Gearhart

Ethel Alberta Gearhart - 6/11/1927

Ethel Alberta Gearhart, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 4th, 2025

Alberta retired from Manteno State Hospital, where she was a dedicated and compassionate caregiver. She married the late Frank Gearhart on February 22, 1947, and was the loving mother of Steven Gearhart and Coleen Gearhart (both deceased), and her surviving daughter, Karen Zaffino. She also leaves behind her beloved son-in-law, Donald Zaffino.

Alberta's legacy lives on through her four granddaughters: Tracy (Vic) Barnhill, Kelly (Mike) Daly, Nicole Zaffino, and Melissa (Mark) Swanson; eleven great-grandchildren: Christian (Darian) Barnhill, Cameron (Marley) Barnhill, Carley (Briggs) Bourgeois, Sarah (Wyatt) Seng, Morgan Daly, Amber Daly, Justin (Sheila Castro) Silberman, Owen Silberman, Tim Swanson, Frankie Swanson, and Mason Swanson; and four cherished great-great-grandchildren: Weston, Reese, and Wade Seng, and Everett Barnhill.

Alberta was a woman of many talents and enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies and activities during her many years of retirement, including painting, wood-carving, quilting, crocheting, gardening, playing cards, reading, and playing the piano and violin. But above all, her greatest joy was her family. She was the heart of five generations and a constant source of love, warmth, and support to her family and friends. Her quiet strength and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Funeral services will be private. Share a memory at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com