Genevieve Wantland's Obituary
Genevieve Orabell Martin Wantland, daughter of Henry Elza and Julia Leonia Plank Beard, was born November 29, 1922, in Oakland, Iowa. She departed this life Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in her son’s home, near Rolla, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, three months, and ten days. On January 12, 1946, she was united in marriage to Everett Ralph Martin, and to this union one son was born. Mr. Martin passed away on March 11, 1973. On January 19, 1985, she married Lawrence Marvin Wantland, and they shared eight years before his passing on January 16, 1993. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Gene Beard, and his wife, Mabel; and a sister, Gwendolyn Brown, and her husband, Bill. Genevieve is survived by a son, Byron Martin, and his wife, Ramona, of Rolla, Missouri; two grandsons, Everett Martin, and his fiancée, Christian Moore, of Cuba, Missouri, and Isaac Martin, of Rolla, Missouri; a great-grandson, Brandon Spencer Martin, of Cuba, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was born and raised in Iowa, and then moved with her family to the community of Russ, Missouri. During World War II, she moved to Kansas City and worked at a bomber plant for a time. While working there, she was chosen to be a cover girl for Life Magazine (kind of a Rosie the Riveter idea), but the war ended the day of the photo shoot, and it was cancelled. After she and Everett were married, they made their home in the Lebanon area, and lovingly raised their son. Throughout the years, Genevieve was a devoted homemaker and mother to her husband and son. Later, when she and Lawrence were married, they continued to make to live in Lebanon. For the last several months, she had made her home with her son and his family, as her health had begun to fail. Genevieve made her profession of faith in Christ at an early age, and was a member of Washington Christian Church, near Lebanon. Later, in 1985, she transferred her membership to Southern Heights Christian Church, where she was particularly involved in women’s activities. In her spare time she enjoyed growing beautiful flowers, working in her garden, traveling and fishing. Her family was always the center of her life, and she especially enjoyed her grandsons and great-grandson. Genevieve was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout the years. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday March13, 2010 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon. Burial will be in the Washington Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until time of service under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. Return to top
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