MONTEZUMA - Geneva Lucille Van Valkenburg, 97, passed away quietly, surrounded by family, on January 7, 2015 in the home of her daughter and son-in-law Gail and Jim Marvin of Salina. She was born on September 23, 1917 to Frank and Lula (Stover) Steen on a farm near Baldwin City.

She attended Franklin County schools, Parsons Junior College, and graduated from Parsons Business University. Geneva was employed by Ottawa Production Credit Association at the time of her marriage to John Van Valkenburg of Williamsburg on September 3, 1939. John and Geneva lived in Topeka, Wichita, and Garden City before moving to Montezuma in 1949.

Geneva and John purchased the Star Dry Cleaners, which she managed until her retirement in 1978. Upon retirement, she and John enjoyed traveling in their RV and became members of Wheat State Camper's Travel Club. Geneva enjoyed sewing, reading, quilting, gardening, and raising her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, enjoying family get togethers with her daughters and their families.

Geneva was an active member of the Montezuma United Methodist Church and was involved in many aspects of the church and church life. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Geneva was also instrumental in starting the Girl Scout program in Montezuma.

Geneva is survived by her daughters, Gail (Van Valkenburg) Marvin and husband Jim, LouAna Van Valkenburg, Virginia Van Valkenburg, Kathy (Van Valkenburg) Powell and husband Joe; 10 grandchildren, Alicia and Thomas Jenkins, Taiha and Jim Wagner, Beth and Kevin Borger, Matt and Sue Marvin, Christa and David Rupp, Jessica and Ashley Grove, Mick and Andie Hitz, Shane and Marie Powell, Lindsay Powell, and Morgan and Taylor Powell; and 14 great grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her husband John Van Valkenburg, a daughter, Patricia Van Cleave, her parents, three brothers, and one sister.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Jerry Odle presiding. Burial will follow at Morningside Cemetery in Montezuma. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma on Friday, January 16, 2015 from noon to 8:00 P.M. with the family receiving friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Salina, Montezuma Methodist Church, or Feed the Children Organization in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.