She was born October 21, 1927 to Gladys (Noel) and Lex Raber in a farmhouse outside of Stuart, Iowa. She was the fifth child in a family of eight. When Geneva was 6-years-old, her Mother passed away at the age of 36. Lex then married Leona Baker and added three more children to the large family.
Geneva attended a country school until 10-years-old, when the family moved to a farm near Winterset. She attended DeSoto Community School. One of her greatest joys was learning to read. Geneva graduated from DeSoto High School in 1945. While in high school, she enjoyed many activities, including playing basketball, softball, and participating in chorus, drama, and debate. After high school, Geneva went to work at Younkers Department Store in Des Moines. After a year of working, she attended Iowa School of Beauty. Through her friend, Thelma, who worked with her at Younkers, Geneva met her future husband, Ward Partridge. Geneva and Ward married in August 1947. They made their home in rural Farrar. She was a devoted mother and opted to put her career on hold and stay home with her children; she returned to beauty school and earned her cosmetology license in 1961. Geneva opened and operated her own hair salon In Maxwell. In 1978, after all her children had left home, Geneva sold her business and home and moved to Ankeny. She began a second career as the hairdresser at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. She spent 12-years working at the center. Through her interactions with patients at Methodist, she found a new calling for service as an advocate for the elderly and nursing home residents. After retiring, Principal Financial Group offered part-time jobs to retirees; she welcomed the opportunity and worked until age 74.
Geneva’s faith was very important to her. While living in Farrar, Geneva and her family were members of the Farrar United Methodist Church. She was a Sunday school teacher and an active volunteer. The small, tight-knit community meant so much to her and always held a special place in her heart. After moving to Ankeny, Geneva also became a member of Ankeny First United Methodist Church, again, becoming an active member and making many life-long friends.
Those who knew Geneva, know how much of her time she freely gave to others through volunteer work in the community, church, and the State of Iowa. Under the guidance of the Aging Resources Center of Central Iowa, she started the first association to unite volunteers to work together in the state. She promoted better care of nursing home residents and public awareness. Additionally, she worked with the media, legislature, and other agencies to demand better care for nursing home residents and health care workers. She provided support for residents without family, and offered emotional, personal, and medical care assistance. The Des Moines Register featured several articles showcasing Geneva’s selfless acts. She was twice honored for her volunteer work by the State of Iowa at the Hall of Fame Volunteer Award presentation by Governor Terry Branstad.
Geneva enjoyed reading, cooking, trying new recipes, and tending to her flowers. In later years, she loved sitting on her porch watching birds. Geneva’s quest for learning never stopped, evidenced in her knowledge and curiosity.
Geneva loved family, spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and dear friends. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and watching them become young adults was one of her greatest joys.
Left to cherish her memory include children: Gary, Carol, Deborah (Larry), and David (Suzy), Grandchildren: Dean, Angela, Justin, Jerod, Jeremy, Alicea, Randall, Ryan, Nicholas and Travis, ten great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
Geneva was preceded in death by her parents Gladys and Lex, stepmother Leona; sons Bruce and Gregory; sisters Francis, Elsie, Helen, Betty, Marilyn, Louise and Bonnie; brothers Earl, Howard and Danny.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 at Ankeny First United Methodist Church in Ankeny. Geneva’s family will greet family and friends at 10:00 am. Services begin at 11:00, with a luncheon to follow. Memorials in Geneva’s name may be designated to the Farrar Bible Fellowship Church or Ankeny First United Methodist Church.
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