Geraldene "Jeri" Henning

Geraldene "Jeri" Emma Henning, 89, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Settlers Place, surrounded by love and gentle care.

Born on April 14, 1936, in La Porte, Indiana, Jeri was the daughter of Otto and Marian (MacArthur) White. Her life was marked by quiet strength, faithful service, and a deep love for her family and community.

On December 13, 1958, in her hometown of La Porte, Jeri married the love of her life, Richard Harold Henning. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the scent of something always baking in the oven. Richard preceded her in death on February 6, 2010, after 51 years of cherished marriage.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Jeri leaves behind her children, Scott (Jennifer) Henning of La Porte and Wendy (Shane) Sanders of Mount Juliet, TN; her beloved grandchildren, Seth (Sarah) Sanders and Cole (Nohemi) Sanders, all of Lebanon, TN, and Lila Sanders of Mount Juliet, TN; Ryan (Maggie) Lopez, Alexander (Xanthe) Lopez, and Mariah (Michael) Vowell, all of La Porte; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Eleanor Sanders, Mila Lopez, and one soon to arrive.  Also surviving is her brother, Stew White of La Porte, as well as many dear nieces and nephews who knew her as "Aunt Jeri".

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; her son, Jeffery Henning; and her twin sister and lifelong friend, Shirley Smith.

Jeri was a longtime and faithful member of St. Paul United Church of Christ. She dedicated over 25 years of service to the La Porte Community School Corporation as a baker at Kesling Middle School and La Porte High School, where she became well known for her delicious cookies and kind heart. She was also the former owner of Tastee Cream, where many remember her warm smile and sweet treats that brought joy to summer days.

Whether she was playing cards, working on puzzles, baking, or coloring with her grandkids, Jeri found beauty in simple pleasures. She especially loved her annual trips to Florida with Richard-moments filled with sunshine, rest, and togetherness.

Jeri lived a life rooted in kindness and generosity, always putting others before herself. She leaves a legacy of love that will continue to ripple through generations.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, with Pastor Carl Galloway officiating.

Family and friends may gather from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the service, with private inurnment at Pine Lake Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jeri's honor to the VNA Hospice Center of Valparaiso, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.cutlercares.com.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master." - Matthew 25:23