Obituary
Geneva Hutton Faris was taken home to Heaven at the age of 93 on January 22, 2020. After several years of declining health, she was at home with family when she died. Geneva is survived by daughter Paula Valkenburg, daughter Carolyn Faris, son Dan Faris, daughter Evangeline Loranc, daughter Genevieve Shields; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by husband of 68 years, Paul; daughter Peggy Faris; son Stephen Faris; brother Lindol Hutton; sister Elsie Anderson.
Geneva was born September 5, 1926 to Jeremy and Glenn Hutton in Barnet, Vermont. She grew up on the “Hutton Dairy Farm” where, in her youth, she assisted with the needs of guests who came from the city in the summer to vacation at this “bread and breakfast” in the Vermont countryside. She graduated from Peacham Academy in 1944 and attended Eastern Nazarene College for two years seeking a degree in education. Her college career was interrupted when she became the wife of Paul Faris, her childhood sweetheart.
She received a certificate in Christian Education from Moody Bible Institute while Paul was working on his pastoral degree, also at Moody. By this time, she was the mother of six children. Upon graduation from Moody Bible Institute, Paul and Geneva joined Village Missions under which they served for 43 years ministering in small rural churches. They faithfully proclaimed the Gospel of Christ and touched the lives of many people with the love of God in Idaho, California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Geneva’s life was driven by the heart of a servant. As mother she faithfully cared for and prayed for her children, training them in the way they should go. As wife she loved and honored her husband, Paul, laboring beside him tirelessly. She modeled Christ in her desire to be holy and share Christ’s love with those she met. She selflessly gave of herself with time and aid to those who had needs. With a cheerful smile and an outstretched hand, she greeted strangers. Her hands were always busy whether helping or creating. She was known for her designer “scrubbie” and dishcloth combos that became a hallmark.
Geneva’s legacy will live on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who she greatly influenced with her godly life.
The memorial service will be at North Fort Myers Presbyterian Church on Saturday April 18, 2020, time to be announced. There will also be a memorial service at a later date in Vermont.
Memorial donations can be made to Village Missions 696 E. Ellendale Ave. Dallas, OR 97338
Family and friends may sign the guest register by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.
Leave a reply