Geraldine Ann Benavides, better known as "Geri," age 71, of the Madera Ranchos, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Fresno following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Sanger, California, to Frank Torres Jr. and Emily Torres on October 11, 1953.

Geri grew up in Sanger surrounded by a close-knit family and community that helped shape her strong values, warm spirit, and love of bringing people together. She attended local schools and graduated from Sanger High School before pursuing further education at Reedley College. With an adventurous spirit, she embarked on a month-long cross-country road trip with a close friend — an experience that nurtured her independence and led her to fulfill a longtime dream of living by the ocean in Santa Cruz, California.

At her father's encouragement, Geri returned to the Central Valley to continue her education at 4Cs College, where she trained as a secretary. She went on to work for ten years as a dispatcher for a local trucking company and later devoted nineteen years of service in administrative support for the Fresno County District Attorney's Office. She retired in 2019 as the Executive Secretary to the District Attorney. She was admired by colleagues for her professionalism, dedication, and warmth, building many enduring friendships throughout her career.

Geri will be fondly remembered for her warm heart, gentle kindness, and vibrant spirit. She enjoyed creating with her hands—from delicious meals made from scratch to beautiful hand-drawn arts and crafts. She had a special gift for bringing people together and was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Always ready to lend a helping hand, her generous nature and zest for life left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, creating a lifetime of loving memories. The love she shared, the values she instilled, and the connections she nurtured will continue to live on as her enduring legacy.

Geri is survived by her life partner of 28 years, Kelly Anderson of the Madera Ranchos; her daughter, Marissa Pidd, and her husband, Chris, of Washougal, Washington; and her son, Justin Benavides, and his wife, Paige, of Sanger, California. She is the sister of Jeanne Cortelyou, Jim Torres and his wife Nawal, and Cindy Flores. Geri was the beloved "Mimi" to her grandchildren Hunter, Amelia, Samantha, Isabel, Jaxon, Brielle, and Chanelle. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Emily Torres.

A memorial service to celebrate Geri's life will be held on  Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11 AM at The Tabernacle Sanger, 1810 Swan Avenue, Sanger, California 93657. Reception to follow immediately after at Kings River Winery, 4276 South Greenwood Avenue, Sanger, CA 93657.

On behalf of Geri's family, thank you for your prayers, love, and support.