Geneva M. Matthews

Geneva M. Matthews, devoted daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on Monday, October 2, 2023, in Grand Junction, Colorado.  

Geneva was born on October 19, 1930 in Comanche, OK to parents Jesse Sage and Era Cleffie Landers.  She spent her childhood in that area and graduated from Duncan High School.  A strong believer in the importance of education, Geneva went on to earn an Associate in Science from Cameron State Agricultural College in Lawton, OK and a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Oklahoma A&M College (OSU) in Stillwater.  While attending OSU Geneva met her future husband, Henry K. Matthews, on a blind date on Valentine’s Day.  They were married in Duncan on December 22, 1953.  After living in Miami, OK for a few years they moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1960.  Both Henry and Geneva started teaching at Albuquerque Public Schools.  Geneva retired in May 1996 after 36½ years of teaching, most of them at Apache Elementary School.  

Geneva had a deep faith in God and was a dedicated member of Community of Christ. Because of her deep love for children, she was often found in the nursery caring for babies and toddlers.  During the summer she and Henry could be found volunteering at church camps at Sacramento Mountain Retreat near Cloudcroft, NM.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Staying in touch with family and friends was a priority for Geneva.  She lovingly sent hundreds of birthday and Christmas cards every year with each person on the list sparking a fond memory.

Geneva is survived by daughter Debbie Schultz and husband Steve of Grand Junction, Colorado; son Steve Matthews and wife Janice of Rockford, Michigan; six grandchildren, Matt Schultz and wife Crystal, Tyler Matthews, Chris Schultz and partner Kristen Ullrich, Zach Matthews and wife Jenna, Katie Schultz and partner Jake Love, and Jake Matthews; four great-grandchildren, Madysen, Taylor, Sawyer, and Shayna; brother-in-law Logan Brown of Miami, OK as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Henry; her parents; brothers JC Landers, James Donald Landers, and Winston D Landers; sisters Margie Conditt and Evelyn Hise; and great-grandson Brenden Cole Schultz.  

Geneva will be buried next to her husband in a private ceremony in Albuquerque, NM.  A celebration of Geneva’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in Geneva’s honor.