Geneva Ables

Geneva Lenderman Driskill Ables, 92, of Farmers Branch, Texas, formerly of Beebe, Arkansas, passed away peacefully Friday morning, September 28, 2012 . Geneva was born April 14, 1920, to Lloyd Joseph Lenderman and Sarah Frances "Sally" Fields in her paternal grandparent's farmhouse in rural Arkansas. Geneva was a bright, cheerful, devoted and dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her large and ever-growing family was undoubtedly her greatest pride and joy in life.

In addition to raising a family of five and managing many family relocations, Geneva's life always reflected her deeply held values of compassion, dignity and respect of all people. Throughout her life she was always active in her church, her community and many non-profits including the Red Cross and the American Cancer Society, among others. In her free time Geneva enjoyed gardening, quilting, and sewing. She played basketball in high school and remained a devoted fan of both the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs for many years. In her later years she enjoyed socializing and playing games, word search puzzles and reading. She was a member of the Silver Strings Ukulele band and a 24 hour prayer ministry of Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio before her move to Farmers Branch in 1996. While also living in San Antonio, Geneva worked as an Avon lady and after the death of her husband, Vance, she worked as a Clerk for the Missouri Pacific Railroad for 10 years. She was an active member of the Valwood Baptist Church in Farmers Branch. Geneva was a life-long learner and enjoyed many trips to various countries in Europe where she also visited family and friends. Geneva was also famous for her jokes and enduring and infectious sense of humor.

She is survived by her sister, Lavene Rodgers and husband Vernon of North Little Rock, AR; brother Horace Lenderman and wife Sue of North Little Rock, AR; daughter Carol Smith and husband Tommy of Bartonville, TX; daughter Margene Lamb of Lamar, MO; son Michael M. Driskill of Dallas, TX and son Gary V. Driskill and wife Dawn of Gallatin, TN. Grandchildren Rhonda S. Sanco of Clarksvile, MD, Tiffanie S. Pepa of Boothbay, ME, Tina. Lamb of Lamar, MO, Amy L. Merck of Fayetteville, AR, Alexander M. Driskill of Munich, Germany, Victoria C. Driskill of Vienna, Austria, Meridyth Driskill of Evansville, IN, and McKenzie, John and McLane Driskill of Gallatin, TN. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her devoted and loving husband of 33 years, Vance Montgomery Driskill, father of her five children; her dear husband of 23 years, I. D. Ables and her talented and loving daughter, Mary Ann Miller; and sister-in-law, Margie Lenderman.

Our special thanks and deepest gratitude to Carolyn Senter. Our thanks to the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff of Medical City of Dallas. Additionally, the entire staff and all the caregivers at Emeritus of Farmers Branch; the staff of Vitas Hospice Care and all of Geneva's extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society.

Family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2012, at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe, with funeral to follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens.