Genita was born “12-21-22”. This was always her response whenever a doctor or nurse asked her birth date.
She was the only daughter of Fred and Florence Foos Erni as her younger sister died at birth. She was born on the family farm in Rush County just north of Bison.
Her early years found her moving numerous times as her father tried to find work to support his family. She lived in Hoisington, Bison, Lacrosse, Otis and Hutchinson before graduating from high school in Abilene where she met her future husband, Jesse. While Jesse served in World War II, Genita and her parents moved to Parsons, KS, where she worked in the Armory making artillery shells for the Arsenal of Democracy.
After the war, Genita and Jesse were married near Parsons on September 13, 1945. Jesse took a job with Western Union which brought more moves for Genita. They lived in Garden City, Scott City and Independence in Kansas, Excelsior Springs, Booneville and Marshall in Missouri and even Rockford, Colorado.
Their daughter, Rosemary, was born in 1946, in Independence, Kansas. In 1950 the family ended up in Green River, Wyoming, with Jesse’s Army Reserve unit before Jesse left for Korea. Genita and Rosemary then moved to Kansas City, where her parents were residing at the time.
Jesse returned in 1953 and they bought a house in Kansas City. Both Jesse and Genita worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1957, their son, Richard, was born. Genita was always active staying involved with community events as well as with the kids’ school activities. She was an active PTA member at both Franklin Elementary and Argentine High School even serving a term as president at Franklin.
In 1976 Genita and Jesse moved to Otis. This was so Genita could be near her parents who had already moved back to their hometown after their retirement. While in Otis, Genita made numerous friends with whom she enjoyed quilting, taking bus trips, and eating at local diners as well as supporting community events such as high school plays, events at Cougar Rec, Old Iron Days, Rush County Fairs and church auctions. These wonderful friends were her support group and the main reason she was able to stay in her beloved Otis until health concerns forced her to move.
In March of 2019 Genita moved to Shawnee Hills Senior Living in Shawnee, Kansas, and in November of 2020 she moved into the Fontana House of Care Haven Homes in Overland Park, Kansas.
Genita was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church. She was also a member of Eastern Star, VFW Auxiliary, Happy Stitchers Quilting Group and the Otis Pool!
Through all her life, her faith in God and her love for her family and friends always came first. None of us will ever forget “Gommie.”
Genita was preceded in death by her parents, baby sister, beloved husband, Jesse, and favorite son-in-law Andy Stewart. She is survived by her daughter, Rosemary Stewart of Perrysburg, OH, and son Richard (Kay) Wood of Merriam, KS. She also leaves her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: James Stewart of Perrysburg, OH; John (Jodi) Stewart, Samantha, John and Abigail of Pemberville, OH; Jennifer Rollo and fiancé RJ Rajner, Madelynn (Trevor) Hoffman and Zoey of Perrysburg/Toledo, OH; Russell (Michelle) Wood, Jesse and Conner of Shawnee, KS; Jody (Tim) Beckham, Kaleb, Dodger and Eliana of Otis/Great Bend, KS.
Our family wishes to thank the staff at Shawnee Hills Senior Living for making Genita’s transition to Kansas City easier for her. We also want to thank the amazing staff of Care Haven Homes for her excellent care and also Ascend Hospice for their help and guidance.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Scott Tempero officiating. Interment will be in the Lone Star Cemetery, Bison, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers Genita’s wish was that donations be made for the upkeep of Lone Star Cemetery. The “Genita Wood Memorial Cemetery Fund” has been created in her honor. Donations may be sent to the Janousek Funeral Home.
Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.