Idaho State Journal, 12/02/04

MONTPELIER - Geneva Wright Stephens, 85, passed away Monday, Nov. 29, 2004, at the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in Montpelier, Idaho. She was born April 17, 1919, in Bennington, Idaho, to Conover and Lenore Rich Wright. She married Donovan J. Stephens on September 2, 1936, and they were sealed March 17, 1937, in the Salt Lake City Temple.

She attended schools in Bennington and Montpelier. She and Don made their home in Montpelier (with the exception of two years in Pocatello), and raised four daughters here. She worked at the First Security Bank as a teller for 10 years and in a fabric store for two years. 

Geneva was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and held positions as a Primary counselor, MIA counselor, Relief Society homemaking leader, choir director and chorister in various organizations.

She was musically inclined and instilled a love of music in her daughters. They sang together in programs and whenever the family would get together. She made sure that all of her girls took piano lessons and participated in musical events. She performed in the community events like the Lions Club shows in the 1940s, and 1950s, and she and her mother sang with the Montpelier Stake Singing Mothers. She was a charter member of the Chordbusters singing group and sang in "On the Bethlehem Road" production. 

Geneva had many interests. She was a lifetime member of the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Union Pacific Lady Trainman Auxiliary and the Frances Elizabeth Bridges DUP Camp.

Geneva loved arts and crafts, and was especially proficient in sewing, quilting and crocheting. She enjoyed making gifts for her family, and made many costumes for members of the Chordbuster's group. 

She was well known for her sense of humor. She bowled with the city women's league. Don and Geneva owned a cabin in Alpine, Wyoming and rode snowmobiles together. Geneva traveled to visit her daughters to St. Louis, San Francisco, Alaska, Utah, and Arizona. She went to Hawaii with Don's sisters Arlene, Carma and Nina.

Geneva is survived by her four daughters, JoAnn Farnsworth (Marion) of Montpelier, Linda Walker (Ross) of Montpelier, Patricia Burdick of Vernal, Utah, Marsha Stephens of Sacramento, Calif.; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Carma Stephens Sanders, Donna Wright Doman; and one brother-in-law, Ralph Stephens. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers, Rich, Warren, and David Wright, and one sister, Nona Wright Price (Ken). 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m., in the Montpelier Second Ward Chapel, 585 North Eighth St. Burial will be in the Bennington Cemetery.