Geneva M. (Kirk) Davis, 96

Geneva Madeline Kirk Davis was born April 16, 1925 in Mullen, NE and graduated to her eternal home on June 9, 2021. She was the daughter of Estes and Grace (Palmer) Kirk and sister to Kenneth Kirk. The family moved near Vetal, SD when Geneva was age 3 and then to Rock County, NE in 1937. She attended Dist. #44, 3 miles north of the family ranch and graduated from Rock County High in 1943. After obtaining a teaching certificate by completing what is known as Normal Training, she taught grades K through 8 in Rock County one-room schools.

During the summer of 1943, she worked for QO Ordinance plant in Grand Island, where shells and bombs were made to support the war effort. Forever a patriot, she felt proud to have contributed to the safety of America.

On June 1, 1946, she united in marriage to the love of her life, Harold J. Davis at a double wedding ceremony, including Harold’s nephew, Don Davis and wife, Margaret at Valentine NE. Three children were born to Harold and Geneva: Eddie Deane (1947), ArLou Ereatha (1951) and Jolene Mae (1955). They resided on the Joe Davis place in southern Rock County until 1951; then moved to the Kirk ranch southwest of Bassett, purchasing it from Geneva’s parents.

Geneva taught grades K through 8 in Rock County one-room schools for 28 years. She had a special musical talent and at a young age began playing piano for barn and house dances to accompany her father’s violin. Shortly after marriage, her father-in-law presented her with something she had often dreamed of, an accordion. She brought joy to many with both piano and accordion music. Harold always requested “Yellow Rose of Texas.”

Geneva was conscious of community projects. If she saw a need, she acted on it. One such accomplishment was co-authoring the 640 page purple Rock County Centennial history book. She located, walked and platted all known cemeteries in Rock County and published Cemeteries and Other Graves, now archived in the National Library of Congress, Washington D.C. Geneva enjoyed giving countless hours of volunteer work to additional cemetery work, the Rock County Library, American Legion Auxiliary and Singing Seniors Choir. Because of her love of quilting, she was instrumental in co-founding the Sand Hills Quilt Guild. She assisted in the renovation of the World War II Memorial on display at the Rock County Court House and the Veterans Honor Roll displayed at American Legion Post #123. She began researching the Davis/Adams family in 1971, and with the help of a relative published Call to New Land, a 260 page family history that spanned 16 generations beginning in 1460.

In 1996, Harold and Geneva moved from their ranch to Sunrise Terrace in Bassett. At age 92, she moved to Cottonwood Villa in Ainsworth for a short time, then resided at Southern Wind Manor, Pittsburg, TX for 3 ½ years.

Geneva was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth; husband, Harold; son, Eddie Davis; daughter, ArLou Lutz; and granddaughter, Manda Ann Lutz.

She is survived by her daughter, Jolene Turner (Tim) Wilson of Hughes Springs, TX; daughter-in-law, Joan Davis (Abbie) Thorne of Adair, OK; son-in-law, Mike (Laura) Lutz of North Platte, NE; two nephews, Ray Kirk of Chico, CA and Gene Kirk of Monroe, WA; grandchildren, Shareen (Wade) Dearmont of Bassett, NE, Shawna Skaggs of Kearney, NE, Delynn Plott of Adaire, OK, Diann (Jeffrey) Thorne of Cleburne, TX, Shelly (Mark) Donner of Laramie, WY, Kelci Lutz of Brighton, CO, Kirk (Ashley) Lutz of Brighton, CO, Casey (Brandy) Turner of Pittsburg, TX, Ryan (Wendy) Turner of Pittsburg, TX, Clay (Megan) Turner of Mt. Vernon, TX; great-grandchildren, Kyleigh Skaggs; Dalya, Dalton and Justin Dearmont; Phillip, Clayton and Olivia Plott; Logan and Grace Thorne; Jonas Lutz; Joshua, Corbin and Hayden Donner; Nathan and Gracie Lutz; Kale and Kolby Turner; Avery and Zachary Turner; Claire and Mason Turner; numerous nieces and nephews along with a large host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Bassett with Pastor Jenice Epp and Pastor Dennis Quigley officiating. Music was provided by Carolyn Clark and special music, “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” by Rod Stolcpart. A video production by Delynn Plott was played. Casket bearers were Casey Turner, Ryan Turner, Clay Turner, Kirk Lutz, Clay Kuchera and Jake Johnson. Honorary casket bearers were Shareen Dearmont, Shawna Skaggs, Delynn Plott, Diann Thorne, Shelly Donner and Kelci Lutz. Memorials were suggested to the Rock County Public Library Renovation Project or to the Bassett American Legion Auxiliary in Geneva’s name. Interment was in the Duff Cemetery near Rose, Nebraska under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.