Our loving mother Geneva “Gen” Mildred Lockhart, 91, “went home to the Lord” on Nov. 5, 2014.
Geneva was born Feb. 24, 1923 to Bennie and Dena Seney in Max, N.D. Her early days were spent on the farm and she attended two years of high school in Minot, N.D. before her family moved to Montana in 1939. Bennie and Dena sold the farm and drove to Kalispell in a 1930 Model A Ford with five children in 30 days. Upon arriving in Kalispell Bennie and Dena took over Dena’s brother’s farm in the Lower Valley.
Geneva met her future husband Dean Lockhart (the neighbor boy) while she was attending Flathead County High School. After graduation in 1941 Dean and Geneva were married on Nov. 1, 1941. They bought a farm also in the Lower Valley in 1945.
In addition to farming and raising two children Geneva also worked outside of the home for many years at various locations such as the Cherry Warehouse, Snowline Tree Company, B&B, KM Gift and China, Coast to Coast on Meridian and Main Streets, The Children’s Alley, Harmon’s Dress Shop and the Lingerie Place.
Geneva was a lifelong member of the Mountain View Birthday Club. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, camping, visiting with the many friends she held close to her heart and fishing. Although the 5-pound perch she caught at Ashley Lake was never officially weighed and measured; it is believed to be the biggest perch ever caught on that lake. Her fried chicken, potato salad and chocolate cake were among just a few of her many favorite dishes she loved to prepare. Geneva’s joy was spending time with family and friends. Her grandson Brian Lockhart and his family spent many hours with her even getting her to ride in his open-air Jeep to Sykes for lunch at the age of 90.
Geneva was very religious and participated in many Bible studies. In the later years she was a member of the Happy Valley Missionary Baptist Church. She was cherished by many and her kindheartedness touched everyone she met. She always put others first above her own needs with a smile and was loved by many.
Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Dena Seney; brother, Lavern Seney; sisters, Viola Sundgren and Vera Ripplinger; and husband, Dean Lockhart.
Geneva is survived by her daughter Marilee Pritchett and Joe Bell; son Denny Lockhart and wife Kathy; sister Velma Heinrichson; sisters-in-law Doris Seney and Eileen Brickett; and brothers-in-law Andrew Ripplinger and Ronald Lockhart and wife Marietta. There are numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Geneva is also survived by her lifelong friend Geri Mitten.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014 at C.E. Conrad Cemetery. Please dress warmly. A reception will follow at 3 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 2158 U.S. 2 East, Evergreen.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.