AKRON - Geraldine P. “Gerry” Denning, 75, of 8479 E. Division Road, Akron, and formerly of Chicago, died at 1:15 a.m. Aug. 19, 2013, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family and companion. She was born Nov. 24, 1937, in Chicago, to John and Gladys Wiggins Speller. She graduated from Bowen High School in 1955, and she worked at U.S. Steel as a secretary and at Marshall Field’s, Chicago. She and her companion, Harold, moved to Akron more than 15 years ago. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, Moose Lodge of Rochester and the Las Donas Club of Akron. She was a collector of tea pots and always enjoyed her family, friends and traveling. She is survived by her companion, Harold Johnson, Akron; two daughters, Annette Blackwell, Gary, and Janet Toman, Hainesville, Ill.; a son, Mark (and spouse Nicole) Denning, Elmhurst, Ill.; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a twin brother, James (and spouse Dolores) Speller, Springfield, Ill.; and a sister, Ann (and spouse Leonard) Derkowski, Pittsburg, Calif. She was preceded in death by an infant sister, Mary. Services will be at 7 p.m. today at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor Jason Dee officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Springfield, Ill. Calling will from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Additional services will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Elmwood Chapel, 11200 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago, Ill. ***** Memorials to Gentiva Hospice of Rochester. Condolences may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
