Geneva Grace Christensen, 98, died peacefully on April 17, 2026, in Gilbert, Arizona. Geneva was the daughter of Byron and Emma Bernhard. She was born on March 9, 1928, in the family home, in the little village of Giard, Iowa. She attended a one-room country school through the 8th grade, and then graduated from Monona High School. She also attended the Giard Methodist Church and participated in many activities as a child as her faith in God grew.

Growing up on a farm was a lot work and she loved to share stories of milking cows before having to walk to school. She learned to play the piano, and also had a pet lamb during her childhood years. She became a hard worker as she helped in the field, driving teams of horses pulling a wagon. Her older brother, John, and her father filled it with hay and then she drove it to the barn, to empty and then return to the field for more hay. She also learned to cook and can fruits and vegetables.

She attended the State University of Iowa where she played French horn in the Concert Band and was a nursing student until she meet, Edward Earl Christensen. They were married on June 20, 1927, in the Giard Methodist Church. Their marriage lasted for 70 years until the death of Edward on August 22, 2017. While living in Iowa, they welcomed two sons, Edward Martin and Eugene Bernhard. Geneva always enjoyed being a housewife and mother. Then in 1951 they moved to California were they welcomed three daughters, Anne Marie, Valerie Eileen, and Janine Louise.

Geneva was always involved in activities. Twenty years with Boy Scouts of America; which included serving as Den mother, Round Table Trainer, Basic and Advanced Leader Training, Organized the Sacagawea Lodge (for women in scouting, this group was disbanded October 2022 after 45 years), and she earned the Silver Beaver Award (highest award that could be earned by an adult leader). She also spend several years as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, and sang with the Mother Singers.

While her children were still living at home, Geneva learned to drive a car. This enabled her return to college where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from San Diego State University. She then started the Biological Supply Company, which ran successfully for many years.

Geneva was a wonderful homemaker. Her home was always full of love and laughter. As children we always had homemade bread, cookies, cakes, and healthy meals. She loved to sew and made many of our clothes. Once the children were grown, she had time to enjoy counted cross stitching, reading, and gardening. She also became active in Eastern Stars becoming Worthy Matron in 1998 and 2003. In White Shrine, she was Worth High Priestess four times. She also stayed active in the church serving on many committees, singing in the choir, and serving four years as President of the United Methodist Woman Organization.

Geneva's greatest wish was that she could have spent more time with her family, as they were scattered across the country.

She is survived by her two sisters: Shirley Lindroth and Jean Hill. Her five children: Edward (Carol) Christensen, Eugene (Karla) Christensen, Anne (Ray) Snider, Valerie (Edward) Berry, and Janine Brown; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Giard, Iowa, on Saturday, May 30, at 3 p.m. Everyone will be welcome to participate.