OBITUARY: Geneva Katherine Peterson

Geneva Katherine Peterson, 95, passed away May 6, 2020, at San Joaquin Valley Hospital in Bakersfield. She was born on Aug. 19, 1924, in Hawley, Texas, to Willie B. Withers and Donnie O. Price.

Geneva attended Hermleigh High School and graduated in 1942, lettering in basketball and volleyball. After high school, she attended college courses in accounting that later led to a career in bookkeeping. Geneva married Boyce W. Peterson Dec. 1, 1945, in Colorado City, Texas. The couple honeymooned in California and eventually moved to Wasco, where they remained.

She worked as a bookkeeper for Petersons Shell Service Station and Garage in Wasco for 27 years. She also worked as a librarian for Wasco High School for 15 years. Geneva enjoyed travelling, baking and crafting, and donated many of her quilts, mittens, hats and scarves to assist veterans, cancer patients and the women’s shelter in Bakersfield.

Geneva was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Boyce W. Peterson, and her daughter, Bonnie F. Simpson, as well as her 4 siblings, Calvin, Quest, Jean and Theston. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra E. Soles, and her husband, Stuart of Bakersfield; three grandchildren, Kimberly Toorop and her children, Tory, Christopher, Katherine and Rainey, Derek Simpson and his children, Karlee, Derek and Dustin, and Leslie Thompson and her children, Kyrstee and Kaden; as well as four great-great grandchildren.

Due to the current circumstances, a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cambria Post 442 Woman’s Auxiliary, P.O. Box 732, Cambria 93428 or the American Cancer Society, 1831 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield 93301.