September 11, 1789, Alexander Hamilton was appointed the first Secretary of the Treasury. On Sept. 11, 1792, the “Hope Diamond” was stolen. On Sept. 11, 1941, ground breaking had begun for the Pentagon, the future home of the Department of Defense, 60 years to the day before it was attacked along with the World Trade Center.
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, (8 months to the day of Jr passing and 18 years to the day of the Twin Tower attack) Geneva Frances Whiteley, age 92, was welcomed into heaven by her husband of 69 years, Jr Whiteley; her parents Aaron and Ina Ockerman; her brother Lowell Ockerman and his wife Virginia Ann; her sister Lois Morrett and her husband George, Anna Mae Tonelli and her husband Charles, and Nellie Darlene Ockerman; her niece Cynthia Morrett; her nephews Andy Morrett, James Morrett and Gary Whiteley; and many friends from the old Jefferson neighborhood.
Geneva Frances Ockerman was born Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1927, to Aaron Francis Ockerman and Ina Frances Crawford Ockerman at home, seven miles South of Allerton, Iowa. Geneva was the third of six children. She attended “Log Chain” country school through eighth grade. Geneva then attended Allerton High School and graduated in 1944.
Her first job was with Neely Manufacturing Company in Corydon. After Neely Manufacturing Company closed, Geneva moved to Davenport and lived with her Aunt Zula and Uncle Bert Hatfield and she took a job with Charge-A-Plate Company. She was there 6 months. When that company closed Geneva returned to Corydon and took a job with Lindfelt Company.
June 3, 1949, Geneva Frances Ockerman and Irvin Jr Whiteley were married at the Allerton Presbyterian Parsonage and made their home in Corydon. Their first daughter, Peggy Ann, was born on Sept. 5, 1952, while they were living in Corydon. Geneva and Jr made their home in Corydon until Jr took a position with the P.M. Place Company and moved to Corning. Jr’s job moved them to Albany, MO, where their second daughter, Terry Lynn, was born on Aug. 31, 1961. Two-and-a-half years later the family moved to Boone, and finally to Jefferson in 1965. Their last move was to Peg’s home in Perry in December 2015 and Geneva died at Peg’s home in hospice care.
The one thing Geneva really wanted was “More Time”.
Geneva was a stay at home mother. The family belonged to the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, where she helped with church functions, MYF, and altar flowers. Geneva attended her children’s school activities and family functions. She spent hours watching Terry play softball and other sport activities.
Geneva’s passion in life was neatness. First and foremost was her family. Geneva loved and valued her family beyond words. She was known for her attractive lawn and flower beds which she kept neat and weed-free, along with the cleanest windows in town. Geneva loved playing Bingo at holiday time. She loved playing cards, country music, Lawrence Welk, The Young and The Restless, Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, binge watching Walker Texas Ranger, and listening to Terry playing the piano.
Geneva loved animals and her pets over the years especially her cat Sapphire, who now resides with Terry and Dennis. She enjoyed Peg’s dogs Cooper and Duke.
Left to cherish her memory are Geneva’s daughters Peg (Dick) Wilcox of Perry and Terry (Dennis) Murphy of Jefferson; her brother Duane Ockerman of Davenport; her grandchildren Jennifer Pierce of Perry, David Wilcox of Des Moines, Jill (Jim) Carollo of Allen, TX, Roxanne Wilcox of Davenport, and Michael Wilcox of Scranton; great grandchildren Katie Cleek, Dalton Humpal, Emma Humpal, Breanna Carollo, and Parker Pierce; a great-great grandchild due in February of 2020; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dail and Maxine Whiteley of Corydon.. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, other family, and many friends.
Geneva’s body was cremated and no services are planned per her wishes. Memorials may be sent to Peg Wilcox at 12432 K Drive, Perry, IA 50220 or Terry Murphy at 1410 J Ave, Jefferson, IA 50129.
Professional services by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.
