Geneva Sauers

GENEVA SAUERS, 88, of rural Julesburg, CO, passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at her home southeast of Julesburg.

Geneva was born on May 24, 1933, to Charles "Pete" and Priscilla (McMurrin) Konkolewski on the family farm south of Big Springs, NE. Geneva was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church at Big Springs. She went to Julesburg High School with the class of 1951.

On August 26, 1951, Geneva married Ronald Sauers at the Zion Lutheran Church in Big Springs. Their union was blessed with eight children. The couple farmed and raised their family south of Big Springs for the majority of their married lives.

Geneva was both tough and strong-willed, to say the least. If she were told she couldn't do something, she would show them they were wrong. Geneva drilled wheat each year with the final 2021 crop year. Being in the tractor was most relaxing to her.

Geneva was a talented seamstress and sewed clothes for all of her children, including dresses and suits for their special occasions. She sewed wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses for her children's weddings. She crocheted afghans for all of the grandkids to receive at their graduation. She also crocheted afghans for all the great-grandchildren at birth. She was a fantastic cook. Her pies were also memorably delicious. Geneva worked outside the home from the mid-1970s until 2011. She worked as a cook and waitress for many years at several different local restaurants.

Geneva was a farm girl her whole life, having been born on a table in the farmhouse her mother built and never leaving. In a certain sense, Geneva maintains a share in that special house; by her faith, love, strength, and example, she built upon it, and so too will her lineage.

Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ron; siblings, Bernice Gullion, LeRoy Jackson, Evelyn Leef, and Willard Jackson; great-granddaughter, Paizlee; brother-in-law, Steve Boydston; sister-in-law Geraldine Heidemann; and a brother-in-law Kenneth Heidemann.

Geneva is survived by her children, Debra (Kenneth) Hutsell; Rhonda (Tom) Hamilton, Michael (Zada) Sauers, Jeanne (Layton) Peterman, Patsy Kroeker, Carolyn (Mike) Schneider, Kandi (Brian) Zimmerman, Willard (Tammy) Sauers; 37 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren, with two new great-grandchildren to be born in 2022; sister, Charlotte Boydston; brother-in-law Robert (Cara) Sauer; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial has been established in Geneva's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 4, 2022, at 10:00 am at the New Hope Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Isaac Sanderson officiating. Interment will be in the Big Springs Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.