Geraldine “Jerri” Ruth Hiatt, 63, of Ottumwa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025.
She was born on July 19, 1961, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Kenneth and Elizabeth (Wilt) Durst. Jerri was the youngest of nine children and took the role of “baby of the family” very seriously.
At the age of 12, Jerri and her parents moved from Iowa to Amarillo, Texas. She often joked that she figured God was tired by the time He created Amarillo because it wasn’t the most beautiful place. However, it was in Amarillo that she encountered Jesus, and her life was forever changed. Jerri’s faith in Jesus Christ was unshakable, and she made it her life’s mission to share His love with everyone she encountered. She loved Jesus more than anything and never missed an opportunity to speak about His grace and salvation.
After completing nursing school, Jerri moved to Hearne, Texas, to begin her nursing career. It was there, while caring for his grandmother at the hospital, that she met her future husband, Mark. Jerri and Mark were married on October 24, 1987. She eventually left Hearne Hospital and began working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, Texas. Jerri worked as a nurse for over 30 years, dedicating her life to caring for others with compassion and kindness. Her selflessness and care left a lasting impact on all who were blessed to be under her care.
Jerri was married to the love of her life, Mark Hiatt, for 13 years. Together, they had two children, Kathryn (Kati) and Forrest (Buddy). Though their time together was far too short, it was filled with joy, laughter, and deep affection. She has longed for the day when they would be reunited, and we are confident that they are together again.
After Mark’s passing, Jerri moved with her children to Franklin, Texas, where she raised them in a small-town community. She taught Sunday School and was deeply involved in the church. Jerri embraced the “farm life” and could often be found outside on the tractor or checking on her cows.
After her children were grown, Jerri split her time between Texas and Iowa, as she had people she loved dearly in both places (and many places in between). She was currently residing in Iowa and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, serving at church, and nurturing her faith.
Jerri was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mark Hiatt; her parents, Kenneth and Elizabeth Durst; her father and mother-in-law, Roy and Martha Hiatt; her sister, Dorothy (Durst) Jordan; brothers Daniel and Donald Durst; and a grandbaby in Heaven.
She is survived by her two children, Kati Klores (husband Austin Klores) and Buddy Hiatt (fiancé McKenzie Munger); her unborn granddaughter, Ryanne Ruth Klores; her siblings, James (Dixie) Durst, Alice Cash, Kenny (Patricia) Durst, Marty VerSteegh, Ronald (Patricia) Durst; her
sister-in-law Tracy Hiatt Polley (Randy); brother-in-law Myron Matula (Deidra); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. Special friends, Louise Langdon and Alicia Parker, also survive her.
A celebration of Jerri’s life will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Albia Road Baptist Church in Ottumwa, Iowa, at 10:00 AM.
There will also be a Celebration of Life in Franklin, Texas, on May 16, 2025 at the Franklin Church of Christ at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Albia Road Baptist Church.
Jerri’s legacy of love, faith, and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
