Geneva Mae Austin

Geneva Mae Austin was born Jan. 25, 1932 in Hillsboro, N.D. to William Kimmel and Elsie (Smith) Kimmel. She passed away surrounded by family on Jan. 12, 2014, of natural causes at her home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at Hi-Line Lanes.

The family has suggested memorials in Geneva's honor be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane or to the donor's choice. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements and you can leave your memories and condolences at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

On Sept. 1, 1950, she married the love of her life John "Jack" Austin. They were the first couple married on roller skates in Cascade County.

John and Gen resided at the former Gary Cooper ranch in Cascade owned by John's father. They moved a few times, but later came to reside in Havre, buying a wrecking yard and later turning it into Bitterroot Rentals east of Havre.

Geneva was a lady of many talents. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother to many other than just her own family. She enjoyed skating, traveling, baking/cooking, collecting roosters, sewing, gardening and her animals. Her grandchildren remember Grandma always having a house full of animals of a wide variety.

Geneva bowled in the Thursday Morning AM bowling league for more than 20 years. Geneva took great pride in being a grandma. She would attend all the grandkids' and later the great-grandkids' sporting events and other activities, always showing her support.

Geneva was greeted at Heaven's gate by her husband, John; her son, Pat Austin; and her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Penny (Ed) Olson of Great Falls; grandchildren, Tera (Chad) Verploegen, Kyle Austin, Katie (Jody) Motichka, Thomas (Haley McLain) Kline, and Jonathon Austin, all of Havre, and Ashlee Olson of Great Falls; great-grandchildren, Quintin Kallenberger, Kyley, Jeralynn, Elyssa and Daceen Verploegen, Madison and Nathan Motichka, and Carmen Olson; brother, Gordon Kimmel of Great Falls; nephew, Rick Kimmel of Great Falls; niece Krissy (Bob) Hardin of Fairfield; and two daughters-in-law, Kim Purkett and Jan Knudson; and her friends at Thursday Bowling as well as many special life-long friends in the community. She was a special lady and will be greatly missed.