Genevieve (Valadez) Root

Genevieve "Genny" (Valadez) Root, 86, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:10 AM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at her residence, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 4, 1940 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Jesus and Margarita (Cavazos) Valadez. On July 3, 1958, she married Robert Joe Root, who passed away on May 22, 2019.

Genevieve graduated from Kokomo High School in 1958. She worked at Delco Electronics for 31 years before retiring. She was a member of UAW #292. Genevieve was a life-long member of St. Joan of Arc/St. Patrick Catholic Church. She volunteered at the cafeteria at St. Joan of Arc and attended Christ Renews His Parish events.

Genevieve will be remembered as a kind, compassionate and generous soul. Though quiet by nature, she found great joy and treasured time spent with family and friends, and above all, she cherished every moment with her grandchildren.

Survivors include daughters, Jamie (Larry) Cabello, of Lafayette; Sherry McKee, of Kokomo; Vickey Root, of Henrico, VA; and Penelope Tyler, of Cape Coral, FL; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Josie Valadez DeSchamps and Lolly Mickelson; two brothers, Raymond Valadez and Gilbert Valadez; and several nieces and nephews.

Genevieve is preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert Root; and seven siblings, Lisa Ferren, Rudy Valadez, Jesse Valadez, Helen Taylor, Jane Keller, Gavina Ford, and Betty Hopkins.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Compassus Hospice for their excellent care of our mom, Genevieve.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 26 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1204 North Armstrong Street, Kokomo, IN with Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk the celebrant. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, February 25, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN. Contributions may be made in Genevieve’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or National Kidney Foundation.