Geneva M. Persinger, age 87, of Johnson, Kansas, died Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at her home. She was born on March 24, 1939, in Sylvia, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Miller and Lena (Nusser) Miller.
Geneva grew up in Sylvia, where she graduated from high school, before attending Emporia State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas. She started herteaching career in Halstead, Kansas, later teaching in California and Nevada before returning to Kansas, taking a position teaching kindergarten to generations of children in Johnson in 1969.
Her career was spent encouraging many young minds, giving them the solid foundation for a successful educational career. Geneva spent 31years in the same classroom prior to her retirement in 2000. She passed her love of teaching as a profession on to many previous students and her granddaughter, Hannah.
On August 11, 1973, Geneva married Everett Persinger. Together they built a home in Johnson and were involved in the community. Everett and Geneva would road trip across the state – visiting family in Garden City, Spearville, the family farm at Peace Creek, Peculiar, MO and Omaha, NE, which Genevacontinued to do for many years following Everett’s passing.
Geneva was an active member of The First United Methodist Church, The UMC Bell Choir, The United Methodist Women’s Group, The Stanton County Hospital Auxiliary and often donated quilts to their fundraisers and she spent time volunteering at The Store House Thrift Store.
She enjoyed quilting, with many road trips to quilt with groups across the state and of course, trips to quilt stores with her longtime colleague and friend, Candee. She enjoyed sharing her time and talents with others. Geneva was known for NEVER missing an opportunity to bless those she loved with cards for EVERY occasion – birthday, anniversary, sympathy, Christmas cards and letters, Easter, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, those cards brightened many mailboxes through the years. Each also always contained a short note of prayer, encouragement or humor. She loved us all through the good, the bad and the hard times.
Thanksgiving was THE holiday at the Persinger home. As all of the kids grew up and scattered, they still made their way to Johnson for this feast. Through the years the family grew from seven, to include the kids’ spouses, grandkids, the grandkids’ spouses, and now great-grandkids.
Halloween was also a fun holiday with school kids and their parents stopping by the Persinger Residence for a famous popcorn ball! Geneva and Everett used their talents to make many unique Christmas gifts for the children that came through her classroom each year.
Geneva is survived by her sons, David Lehman and wife, Debbie, Chris Lehmanand wife, Diann; step-children, Joe Bob Persinger and wife, Heidi; Kelly Dean Persinger and wife, Kayla; Darla Jean Leiker and husband, Ron. Eleven grandchildren, Melissa McNell, Rachel Lehman, Hannah Morris, Mike Lehman, Jess Kittoe, Colten Lehman, Trista Wisely, Nesha Paioletti, Jenna Payne, Kyle Doberer and Kaleb Persinger. Seven great-grandchildren, Easton Lehman, Emma Morris, Flora Morris, Adah Reid, Emersyn Wisely, Benjamin Wisely and Addilyn Wisely. Brother, Laurence Miller and sister, Esther Smith.
Geneva is preceded in death by her husband, Everett Persinger; parents and five siblings.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson. Funeral service will be Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Johnson First United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeremy Amerin officiating. Graveside will be at 3:00 PM at the Wellsford Township Cemetery in Wellsford, Kansas. The family suggest in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Stanton County Hospital Auxiliary in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
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