Geneva Rose Lucas, 91, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on February 2, 2022. She was born October 27, 1930 in Miller, Missouri to Harley and Faye Merrick. She is survived by her sister Darlene Finch, and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Merrick; her children, Larry and Tammy Lucas, Jana and Keith Buterbaugh, Janeen Carter, Judy Bush, and Kimberly Lucas; her grandchildren, Sean and Shiela Lucas, Christopher Buterbaugh, Joseph Buterbaugh, Thomas and Janice Buterbaugh, Heather Carter, Jaymie Bush, Jacob and Ashley Bush, and Mallory Bush; and her great-grandchildren Cyrus Lucas, Darius Lucas, Lucas Buterbaugh, Jevin Huddleston, Jaylynn Huddleston, Jayvien Bush, Louis Bush, Lenni Bush, Artrell Williams, and Masilas Bush.

As a girl, Geneva loved riding her horse, reading and spending time with her grandparents. She said that her grandfather instilled in her the love of books - she read constantly and mysteries were her favorite. She was very close to her sister, Darlene. We knew if her phone was busy, it was probably because she was talking to Darlene.

She graduated from Miller High School in Miller, Missouri where she earned many spelling and reading awards. She earned a scholarship and attended Draughn Business School in Springfield, Missouri.

She married James Lucas in 1952, and joined him at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina where he was stationed in the Marine Corps. The sweet letters he sent her while he was in basic training were saved in her hope chest, and she often shared stories of their time living on and off base in North Carolina. They were married 52 years.

She said that she always wanted to be a mom, and she was a great mom. She was a wonderful cook - her fried chicken and mashed potatoes were legendary. She was a wonderful homemaker, usually singing or humming her favorite songs while cooking meals, sewing, doing laundry, and gardening.

She also enjoyed working at the phone company, McCrory's Department Store, JCPenney, and FM Store. She worked hard, and taught her children the value of hard work.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and she was very proud of them.

She found joy in small things, like watching the birds gather at her bird feeders and the flowers blooming in her garden.

She was very creative. She loved sewing, and made many beautiful, personalized quilts for the babies in our family, and the babies in her church family. They were often worn out by the little ones who cherished them.

She loved Apple Butter Making Days in Mount Vernon, Missouri, and for many years enjoyed helping make the apple butter sold by Round Grove Baptist Church.

We will miss her strength, courage, sense of humor, generosity, creativity and love for all creatures great and small.

We would like to thank the staff at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Phoenix Home Care and Hospice whose caring support meant so much to us during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, a small donation could be made to Round Grove Baptist Church cemetery, or causes important to her such as CARE pet rescue.