"Bob, Denise, Carol and Rick, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Geneva. We have so many fond memories of all of you. Received this link from Joyce and Steve Mitchell."
Geneva Irene Anderson, one of five children of Maude Ellen (Niles) Byers and Orthello Vernellan Byers, Jr., was born in Glenwood, IA, on January 29, 1917. Geneva grew up in Glenwood and graduated from Glenwood Community High School in 1934. She then worked as a Regional Carrier Manager for the Omaha World Herald.
On July 2, 1939, Geneva and John Robert Anderson were married at the old Grace United Methodist Parsonage in Glenwood. They made their home in Glenwood, and were blessed with their four children, Bob, Denise, Carol and Rick. In addition to her duties as a homemaker, Geneva owned and operated Norge Dry Cleaning and on occasion substituted as a Rural Mail Carrier for John, so he could go hunting and fishing.
Geneva was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, taught Sunday School, and served on many committees. She also belonged to the Glenwood Garden Club, Rural Mail Carriers Association, and was a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and American Legion Post 141.
During the 58 years that Geneva and John were married, they enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, playing Pinocle with friends and traveling in their motor home. After John passed away in December 1997, Geneva continued to live in her home and remained active in her community. She enjoyed singing and playing the piano, pitch club, working in her yard and sharing her flowers with others. Geneva loved being a Grandma and cherished the times spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their music and sporting events, baking with them, and made sure homemade chocolate chip cookies filled the cookie jar. As Geneva's health began to fail, Carol and her family moved in with her so she could remain in her home. Geneva peacefully passed away in her home on March 17, 2006, at the age of 89 years, 1 month and 17 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, brother Roy Byers and infant sister Ellen Marie.
Geneva is survived by her children, Bob Anderson of Des Moines, IA, Denise Johnson and her husband Larry of Sunnyvale, CA, Carol Hurst and her husband Larry of Glenwood, and Rick Anderson and his wife Beth of Reno, NV; sister Virginia Vohs and her husband Heinie of Glenwood; brother Orthello (Buzz) Byers and his wife Margie of Houston, TX; nine grandchildren; nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
"Bob, Denise, Carol and Rick, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Geneva. We have so many fond memories of all of you. Received this link from Joyce and Steve Mitchell."
"To Aunt Geneva's family - We send our sympathies and hope to see you on Thursday. Bud and I have many good memories of Uncle John and Aunt Geneva, I suppose the one that stands out is Bud's birthday cake.... Bud and Pat Hunsche"
"Our deepest regards & sympathy to all of your family. You're in our thoughts & prayers. "
"To Rick & families of their beloved Mother. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. God will give you strength & comfort. "
"We were sorry to hear about the passing of Geneva. When we first joined the Rural Carriers she and John were very active in the organization and we are very glad we had the pleasure of knowing both of them. Our thought and prayers are with you at this time."
"Bob, Denise, Carol & Rick and Families: Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I will always have so many great memories of your folks! Joe"
"Carol, Larry, and family-Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Arlene, Tim, and Kayleigh Stanek and Jason Ayers"
"Raye just sent me the link for Geneva. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my family is praying that God will give you the strength you need at this time. Philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." God bless, Valerie and Kevin Anderson"