Geraldine Rybarski

Geraldine "Dino" Draehn Rybarski, 75, of Brenham, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Geraldine, affectionately known as Dino or Granny, was a woman who never met a stranger. From the moment you met her, you felt like family. Her heart was generous beyond measure, and her family was always the center of her world.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures, riding the back roads, drinking cold beer, camping, sharing stories from years past, and attending her grandchildren and great-grandson's events. She enjoyed gathering with family and friends around the "round table or green machine" at the shop. That special place became a gathering spot filled with laughter, storytelling, and togetherness-just the way Dino liked it.

Dino was devoted to her family and took great pride in being a grandmother. Carter was her "Honey Sugar," her pride and joy. Her great-grandson Luke was her "little best friend," bringing endless smiles to her days. Her granddaughter Kara was her ride-or-die, a bond filled with laughter, love and unwavering loyalty. She loved picking up her grandchildren from school every day. She was always first in the car line-starting with Kara, then Carter, and most recently her great-grandson and best buddy, Luke. Those car rides were filled with laughter, stories, snacks, and memories that will be cherished forever.

On April 2, 1969, she married the love of her life, Edward Lee Rybarski, at the chapel at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, love, and family. In July of 1990, they opened Bren-Tex Pallet Co., where Dino worked alongside Edward to help make the business a success.

Geraldine's warmth, kindness, and welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be remembered for her boundless love, her storytelling, and her unwavering devotion to her family.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Scott Michael and Jennifer Rybarski of Brenham; twin daughters and sons-in-law, Tracy Lynn and Bradley Raska, and Tammy Sue and Glenn Rosenbaum, all of Brenham; grandchildren Kara Lee Rosenbaum and Michael Wienken, Carter Scott Rybarski and fiancée Carlie Marcotte; great-grandson Luke Wienken and her beloved dog Lila. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Dianne and Ted Sager; brother and sister-in-law, Lee and Hanna Draehn; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and JoAnn Draehn; sisters-in-law Evelyn Draehn, Deloris Draehn, and Peggy Draehn; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Lee Rybarski; her parents, Willie and Selma (Emshoff) Draehn; sister and brother-in-law, Lillie Mae and Willie Schmidt; brothers Jimmy Draehn, Elwood Draehn, Roger Draehn and sister-in-law Joyce Draehn, Willie Draehn Jr. and sister-in-law Marjorie Draehn, Glenn Draehn and sister-in-law Margaret Draehn, Luther Draehn, Allan Draehn, and niece-in-law Tracy Draehn. Nephews William Draehn, Russell Draehn, and Roy Schmidt.

Serving as Pallbearers are David Draehn, Jason Draehn, Kevin Draehn, Royce Draehn, Cary Dollar, Dylan Dollar, Kenneth Schaper and Steven Schaper. Honorary Pallbearers are Kara Rosenbaum, Michael Wienken, Luke Wienken, Carter Rybarski and Carlie Marcotte.

The family will receive friends and relatives Sunday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham.

The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Cowboy Church of Brenham. Burial will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice Brazos Valley at 302 E Blue Bell Rd, Brenham, TX 77833, or Cowboy Church of Brenham, P.O. Box 2516, Brenham, TX 77833

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Hospice caregivers and to all family and friends for their visits, support, and kindness.