Gene enjoying the music at granddaughter Christa and grandson-in-law Chuck's wedding reception. 2009

Gene with daughter Kathy, and son Pat at granddaughter Christa's wedding. 2009

Gene with grandson-in-law Chuck, granddaughter Christa, daughter Kathy, and son-in-law Rockie. 2009  

Gene and granddaughter, Christa at her wedding. 2009

I want to thank my brother and sister-in-law (Pat and Annette) for all their hard work and dedication to our mother's memory. They have done an excellent job of collecting and uploading pictures. I really appreciate all of those who have shared memories and kind words. My mom was a very special lady. I enjoyed all the stories she told about her past. She certainly did do many exciting things.  She was an optimist who embraced life and lived it to the fullest. I really admired her faith, courage, grace and poise.   She was a very dedicated and affectionate mother. She loved her family. She always gave her best for us. I miss her greatly, cherish her memory, and look forward to the day that I will see her again.

Gene Being Bored To Tears Watching Grand Kids Christa & Andrew Play A Video Game. 1996

Gene With Daughter Kathy, Son Pat & Grand Kids-In-Law Bubba & Melanie. Circa 1992

Gene With Daughter Kathy And Son Pat At Kathy's 2nd Wedding. 1988

Gene At Daughter Kathy's 2nd Wedding To New Husband Rockie Spinks. 
Along With Church Pastor. 1988

Gene With Grandson Andrew, Daughter Kathy, Granddaughter Christa & Aunt Rose. Circa 1994

Christmas With Grand Kids, Christa & Andrew. (Looks Like She Is Struggling to Hold Him.) 1982

Gene With Daughter Kathy & 2nd Grandchild. Grandson Andrew. 1982

Gene At Niabi Zoo With Daughter Kathy, Son-In-Law Paul & Granddaughter Christa. 1980

Gene With Son-In-Law Paul, Daughter Kathy, Brother Cornelius & 1st Grandchild, Granddaughter Christa. 1980

Gene At Daughter Kathy's 1st Wedding To Paul Aarons. 1978

Gene With Son Pat jr. Being Walked Down The Aisle At Daughter Kathy's 1st Wedding. 1978

Gene With Daughter Kathy & Husband Pat. 1962

To my dearest friends Pat and Annette. I did not know Gene, but the stories and memories shared with me, I do feel I knew her well!  You are rich with memories. You are always in my heart, thoughts and prayers.  Below a poem for Pat. Love you both!

I awake each morning to start a new day
But the pain of losing you never goes away.
I go about the things I have to do
And as the hours pass I think again of you.
I want to call you and just hear your voice
Then I remember that I have no choice
For you are not there and now my heart cries
Just to see you again to tell you goodbye
To say Mama I love you and I always will
And hope that much of you, in me you’ve instilled.
The day that you left I just didn’t know
That you were going where I couldn’t go.
And now all my memories of you are so dear
But gosh, how I miss you and wish you were here.
Who now can hear me when I need to cry?
It so hard to tell you “Mama goodbye.”
Someday I know all will be well
And I’ll see you again with stories to tell
Of how you were missed and how we have grown
And how good it is to finally be home.
Until then my memories of you I’ll keep near
And I’ll pass them on to those who are dear.

I met Gene in my late teens, a lovely lady with an eloquent class from the 40s and the snazzy flare of the 50s (with wardrobe and home decor to match). I would stop over to visit Pat, and Gene would greet me at the door with a smile and conversation. She would remember our past conversations and always ask for updates on how things were going. She was sharper than I, for I usually had forgotten what we had talked about and would stammer through the updates and unbeknownst to me, she would be gathering more information to use in our next encounter. Very attentive she was, more than my youthful mind could comprehend or appreciate. You will be missed Gene. 

Gene With Daughter Kathy, Mother Helen (Nana To The Kids) & Son Pat jr. 1970.

Gene With Son Pat jr., Sister Bonnie (Bernadine) & Daughter Kathy 1970.

Gene With Daughter Kathy, Son Pat jr. & Mother Helen (Nana, as known By The Kids.) 1968.

I remember Gene from growing up and I remember her always smelling of perfume, dressed nicely, and offering me dessert. I've always heard so many good things. I care for and love her family and am so sorry to hear she is no longer here with us, and it weighs heavily on my heart to imagine the pain they must feel.  
What a classy lady! Love the pictures.  I could only dream of going to the places she went to and meeting people she met. I admire her confidence and abundance of couth. What a beautiful glimpse into her life she lived so well. 

Gene With Mother Helen, Husband Pat, Daughter Kathleen (Kathy) And New-Born Son, Patrick jr. (P.J.) 1966.

Gene & Pat With Daughter Kathleen (Kathy) 1962.

Gene & Pat With Daughter Kathy At Several Family Get-togethers 1963-1964.

Gene & Pat With First Born Child, Daughter Kathleen (Kathy) 1961.

My deepest sympathy to your family on your mother's passing, I didn't know her clicked on her obituary by mistake-She was a BEAUTIFUL LADY. Wonderful picture's very handsome couple-the wedding photo's. May fond memories and all those beautiful photo's get your family through this difficult time and the holiday season.   Kimberly Sherrod-Hensler (Davenport,IA)

She was a good lady
And she love church going to miss her.

Gene & Pat  Along With Mother Helen And Brother Cornelius Christmas 1960.

Gene & Pat At Some Family Gatherings 1960.

 A Montage Of Pat And Gene On Their Honeymoon To Colorado 1960.

Thank you for all your love and support during this difficult time and in sharing our grief for the loss of Genevieve. There will be more photos being posted including more recent ones as a peek into a window of a life of a loving, lively, funny, entertaining and Godly woman that meant so much to us and everyone she met. Thank you, and God bless.

Pat Rainsford jr. 

From Left To Right: Sister Bonnie (Bernadine) Husband Pat and Gene Circa 1960.

Gene (Center) With Co-Workers  Working At A Promotional Event For The National Restaurant Association. 

Gene (Far Left) In An Advertisement For Monarch Foods For Whom She Was Working  For.

 A Few Pics Of Younger Gene In A Photo Shoot With Her Brother Edward For A School Science Textbook.

Gene And Pat (Now Engaged) At The Hollywood Supper Club 1960.

Gene And Her Future Husband Patrick Rainsford At Honolulu Harry's Waikiki Club In Chicago 1959.

Gene And Friends At The Swanky Edgewater Beach Hotel Lounge 1955.

Gene At The Swanky Edgewater Beach Hotel Restaurant In Chicago 1950.

Gene's Graduation Photo And In Her Early 20's.

Gene's Family From Left To Right: (The Eifels) Mother Helen, Brother Edward, Sister Bernadine, Genevieve, Brother Cornelius And Father Charles.

Though I only met her a few times she sparkled with joy and sweet stories. My heart is with her family at this time and I wish you all peace. Much love. 

My deepest condolences to the Rainsford Family. She was one of the sweetest people I had ever had the pleasure of meeting.  May Jehovah ease your pain and sorrow and fill your heart with joy and laughter. Love you all💕

OBITUARY

Genevieve M. Rainsford

October 24, 1924 – December 5, 2021

The Runge Mortuary & Crematory

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