Genevieve Juanita Howard was born on Tuesday, January 3, 1928, in Spokane, Washington, to Jacob and Jenny Reidt. She was the second of eight children and dearly loved her five brothers, Louis (Henry), Jacob, Delbert, Virgil, and Gerald, and her two sisters, Evelyn (Onita) and Geraldine. Her love for her family remained an important part of her life.

Genevieve grew up during the Great Depression, a time that taught her the value of hard work and perseverance. As a young girl, she enjoyed listening to baseball on the radio with her father and going to the movies, where she loved buying candy. She would collect bottles to earn money for her treats. Some of her favorite entertainers were Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, Bing Crosby, and Bob Hope. She also had a deep love for animals and cherished the many dogs and cats she had throughout her lifetime. Among her favorite pastimes were walking, eating, gambling, and playing cards.

During her youth, Genevieve spent approximately a year and a half in an orphanage in Spokane. She enjoyed having three meals a day and took pride in cleaning, washing dishes, and helping with daily responsibilities. All the children had jobs, and Genevieve was a hard worker who often encouraged the younger children to help. She would sing with them as they worked, showing the caring and nurturing spirit that would remain with her throughout her life.

Genevieve later traveled to Wenatchee with a girl from the orphanage after hearing there were good wages to be earned picking cherries. While there, she enrolled in school and worked as a waitress. It was in Wenatchee that she met Lester, whom she married on December 7, 1946, at the age of 18.

On February 2, 1948, Genevieve welcomed her first daughter, Joyce. The date was especially meaningful because it was her father’s birthday. She called him and joyfully said, “Happy Birthday, Grandpa!” Although her marriage to Lester eventually ended, Genevieve continued forward, moving to the Tri-Cities to begin a new chapter.

She found work as a waitress at the Top Hat in Pasco, where she met and married Lloyd. From that marriage came her second daughter, Patricia, lovingly known as Patty. After that marriage ended, Genevieve continued working hard to provide for her family.

In 1956, while working at The Tahitian in Richland, Genevieve met Wayne Howard. She knew she would eventually ask him out, and their relationship grew into a lasting partnership. They married on March 17, 1956, and purchased a home on Yellowstone Avenue in Kennewick, Washington.

Genevieve and Wayne later decided they wanted more land and moved to a home at 3215 West 7th Avenue in Kennewick, where numerous peach trees surrounded the property. This home became a special place for their family, filled with years of memories, celebrations, and togetherness.

Genevieve was determined to continue her education and earn her high school diploma. Despite the challenges of returning to school as an adult, she attended Kennewick High School and proudly graduated in 1965. Her daughter Joyce attended school there alongside her mother and graduated in 1966. Genevieve also enjoyed bowling and participated in a bowling league. As Patty grew older, she bowled alongside her mother, and the two became quite good at the sport.

Joyce later moved to the Seattle area, while Patty attended Washington State University. Patty married in September 1974, and Genevieve planned a reception at the family home on West 7th Avenue to celebrate the occasion.

One of Genevieve’s greatest joys was her family, especially her grandchildren. Joyce had three children, Shelly, Tammy, and JJ, and Patty had three children, Ryan, Bryan, and Krystal. Genevieve and Wayne were actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives, attending countless games, performances, and academic ceremonies. They proudly supported their grandchildren and were always ready to help whenever needed.

Genevieve’s happiness grew with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, who became another source of joy in her life. She created special traditions that her family will remember for years to come. One favorite tradition was bringing a jar of coins to family gatherings. She would gather the children in a circle on the carpet and toss the coins out for them to collect. The children would excitedly rush to gather as many coins as possible, creating memories filled with laughter and love.

As Genevieve grew older, she moved in with Patty. She was grateful, happy, and appreciative of the care and kindness shown to her. She enjoyed her favorite foods, including ice cream, coney dogs, spaghetti, hamburgers, and tuna fish sandwiches with pickles. She especially loved her coffee piping hot, filled to the top with three creams, three sugars, and a little caramel. Genevieve was a particular gal who knew what she liked, but she always appreciated whatever was given to her.

In her later years, as dementia began to affect her life, Genevieve received care and support from several dedicated facilities. She spent her final days at Callaway Gardens, where she took her last breath.

Above all, Genevieve loved and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and personal Savior. Her faith was an important part of her life, and her selflessness, warmth, generosity, and compassion touched those around her.

Genevieve lived a life marked by perseverance, hard work, devotion to family, and a determination to keep moving forward through life’s challenges. She found happiness in simple pleasures, treasured the people she loved, and created lasting memories through her kindness, traditions, and joyful spirit.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, and compassion that will continue through her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all those whose lives she touched.

Genevieve will be deeply missed, forever loved, and lovingly remembered. Her spirit and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of her family for generations to come.