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Geneva Belle Lambert Hiveley quietly went home to live with her precious Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ on March 6, 2021 after a long and fruitful life of service to others. She was 93 years young. Geneva was born on January 20, 1928 on a farm near Dayton, Iowa, oldest of 9 children of Arthur and Frances Lambert. As a youngster, she loved riding her horses, Prince and Belle and was often seen galloping bareback at full speed with hair flying across the wide open Iowa countryside. Geneva graduated from Burnside School and Tobin Business College. On November 2, 1946 she married Clarence Hiveley and they made their home in Fort Dodge, Iowa. They were married for 68 years and together had 3 children, Kathy Powell (Kenny) of Fort Dodge, Jerel Hiveley (Wendy) of Medina, Minnesota and Rosanne (Rod) Toro of St. Louis, Missouri. Clarence and Geneva were also blessed with 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Geneva was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, her parents, 3 brothers, 3 sisters and a son-in-law.
Geneva was a born-again believer and had the spiritual gift of helps, always eager to pitch in and do any job that needed doing, even if it was hard. She loved traveling, meeting new people and hugs. Her interests included quilting, sewing, bird watching, music, bowling, Iowa college sports and her proud Swedish Heritage. Her love of life and support of family led to many diverse and interesting jobs, including war time work in meat packing, receptionist at Fort Dodge Senior High School, professional painter and wallpaper hanger, helper to her husband in the family construction business, helper in the family soap making business, helper in the family fry bread business and best of all, loving homemaker. This energy also allowed her to participate in RAGBRAI an impressive 5 times! Her cooking abilities were legendary and she was trusted with making the delicious Swedish Brown Beans and Swedish Egg Coffee every year for the famous annual Covenant Church Swedish Supper. She always appreciated nature, especially birds and trees. Geneva was a loving wife, wonderful mother, fun grandmother and loyal friend. She was a lifelong member of First Covenant Church of Fort Dodge, singing joyously in the choir and working as the church secretary for many years. Even into her 90's she continued as a volunteer to fold the Sunday church bulletins every week. Geneva was tireless and faithful. Her friendly smile and loving care will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 15 at First Covenant Church. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 16 at First Covenant Church with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery. Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services is entrusted with the arrangements.