Geneva Juanita Bolton

Geneva Juanita Bolton, age 95, of Eminence, formerly of Jefferson City, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2012, at Birch Tree Place in Birch Tree, Mo., where she was cared for during the final months of her long life. Geneva was born February 15, 1917, on the Fursman Place on Jacks Fork River near Eminence in Shannon County, Missouri, the daughter of Jink and Lueanna Smith. Geneva was married to John Bolton who passed away in 1971, at the age of 59. They lived together in Jefferson City, Missouri for many years. Geneva had a wonderful and meaningful career. In the 1st grade she had decided to be a teacher and never changed her mind. As a graduate of Eminence High School and Southwest Missouri State College she became a teacher at Alley School District #887 in 1940. After teaching eight years at Alley she was asked to teach Vocational Home Economics at Eminence High School. There she taught an additional eight years. Geneva resigned from Eminence High School in 1956, after receiving an invitation to join the Department of Education as a Consultant in the Food Service (School Lunch) Program. This job afforded Geneva 26 years of challenges, rewards, and lasting friendships with school employees. Her work took her to all schools in Missouri-public, private, and parochial. She worked with other state departments, USDA representatives and people from all walks of life. Geneva traveled all over Missouri and the United States but for her nothing could compare to the hills of Shannon County. After spending 42 years in the education system and loving every moment, she retired. She eventually moved back to the family farm on the Jacks Fork River outside Eminence where she spent her final years. Geneva's greatest passion was her family. Keeping in contact by cards, letters, and phone calls she was willing to help them in any way she could. She also enjoyed gardening, yard work, and photographing the family. She was a great historian of local families and culture of Shannon County. She also was a founding member of the West Eminence Christian Church. She will be remembered with love and respect by all who knew her. Geneva is survived by her daughter, Joan Blackburn; grandchildren, Debra Ann, John Mark, Matthew (and wife, Judene), David, and Jack Jr. (and wife, Mary). She also was blessed by six great-grandchildren and three great-great- grandchildren and many beloved nephews and nieces. Geneva was preceded in death by her father, Jink; mother, Lueanna and brothers, Calvin (and wife, Wilma), Arnold (and wife, Fern) and sister, Mescal (and husband, James). Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 20, 2012, at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Eminence, Mo. with Gary Colvin and Jerald Conway officiating. Interment was in the New Eminence Cemetery under the direction of Duncan Funeral Homes of Eminence, Mo. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the West Eminence Christian Church or the Shannon County Museum Association, P.O. Box 786, Eminence, MO 65466.