Obituary (evidently in The Wathena Times):

Mrs. Caroline Gerardy, wife of Peter Gerardy, died at her home in Clay County, Kansas, on January 6, 1904, at the age of 65 years 3 months and 16 days. Deceased's maiden name was Caroline Christel, and she was born at Shurgast, Prussia, Germany, September 20, 1838.

Came to America with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Christel, in 1858. The family located south of Wathena, near Palermo in that year, and on April 25, 1859, the deceased was married to Peter Gerardy. In 1870, with her husband and family she removed to Clay County, Kansas, where they have since resided.

She is survived by her husband and eight children. The are Paul Gerardy, of this place; Ed Gerardy of Chandler, OT., Will Gerardy of Kansas City, Mo., H. H. Gerardy of Smith Center, Kan.; E. L, F. C. and A. L. Gerardy of Clay county; and Mrs. Lester Faivor , of Clay Center. Three children,, two boys and one girl, are dead. Mr. Herman Christel and Mrs. John Meidinger, Sr., of this place, are brother and sister of the deceased. Many years ago she united with the Congregational Church, of which she has been a faithful and devoted member since.

Funeral services were held at the Fact U. B. church in Clay county, January 7, conducted by Rev. Mr. Holbert, pastor of the church there, and burial was at Appleton cemetery.

Mrs. Gerardy is remembered by many of the old citizens here and was a most highly esteemed lady, and though she removed from their midst many years ago, still retains a place in the hearts of the old neighbors who knew and greatly respected her in those days long passed. For some years past deceased has been in somewhat feeble health, but her condition was considered in no wise serious until Christmas day, when she was attacked with heart trouble, from which she suffered greatly until death relieved her of her pain.

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Excerpted from "The Pierre Gerardy Family in America," edited by Evelyn Potter Park, 1979:
(see husband's bio for more information from this source)

Caroline was not lacking in courage. One time while they still lived on the farm near Geary in Doniphan County, Peter was away at night. Caroline heard a disturbance at the barn. Horse thieves had been operating in the vicinity, and since they had some good horses she didn't want to see driven off, she armed herself with a club and went out to the stable where she stood guard until she was satisfied everything was safe.

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Abridged from "The Gerardy Farm in Clay County, Kansas" by Charles, Dale, and Vera Gerardy, in "The Pierre Gerardy Family in America," edited by Evelyn Potter Park, 1979:

In 1870 these hardy pioneers left their farm in Doniphan County and homesteaded in Washington County, Kansas, which was sparsely populated. Their quarter section was nearly level land with few trees and only a small ravine. After proving the claim by living on the land and developing it for five years, Peter made a wise choice. He traded it for a quarter section, or 160 acres, that was about seven miles east and south near the village of Fact, Clay County, Kansas. The farm has three branches of Carter Creek joining within the quarter section. This provided water and shelter for the house and the livestock, as well as both rich lowland and drier upland fields. Thus the farm was able to provide the variety of soil needed for diversified farming. While living there Peter obtained a timber claim of 160 acres, which brought his total land holdings to 320 acres.

There was already a small house on the farm when they moved there. It was located on the east side of the farm and about half way between the north and south lines. Because they had no water there, the house was moved about 100 rods due west near the creek. Finding it still unsatisfactory, they built a dugout into the side of the hill near where the house now stands. They lived in it for two years while the other house was moved and rebuilt. Frank was born while they lived in the dugout. Then then moved into the renovated house, which was their home for over twenty years. Their youngest son, Albert, was born after they moved into the house.

Around 1901 "Caroline's dream house was built. It was a large two-story house, which is still standing today. East of the house they planted a large orchard and a grape vineyard. They had a cider press for making apple cider and Peter is said to have made wine from the grapes in the vineyard, as was the custom in France where he had grown up. A large garden was also planted each year to provide food for the family.
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From the 1881 Addenda to "The Pierre Gerardy Family in America," by Evelyn Potter Park:

In a letter written by Caroline to her son, Edward, in German, she stated they built their new home that year (1901). She also mentioned the anticipated reunion of the entire family at Christmas. She said will and Paul were coming, and we know Ed and his family went. Since the rest of the family still lived in that part of Kansas, it is believed everyone was home. It was probably the last time they were all together at the same time before Caroline died in 1904.