Geneva Della Schaeffer

Geneva, age 91, was born in Blytheville, Arkansas on April 29, 1921, the daughter of a proud Mr. and Mrs. Ned Brown. She graduated from Blytheville High School in 1939. Soon after the war started she made her way to Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, Ca. where she was an original Rosie the Riveter. It was there that she met the love of her life, John C. Schaeffer. They were married in November 1944.

Upon moving back to Fresno they raised their two children, Dick Davis, Kenny Davis, and grandson, Michael Davis.

In 1947 Geneva went to night school to learn shorthand and typing. When she finished school, she went to work as an office clerk in the Police Court at the corner of Merced and Broadway. In 1952 reorganization resulted in the merger of the Police Court and the Justice Court to create the Fresno Municipal Court, which was housed in the old courthouse. Geneva worked in the Civil and Small Claims Dept. until 1963 when through competitive exam, she became a court clerk and worked for Judges Huffman, Hopper, and Eyman. The new courthouse was dedicated and the old courthouse was demolished in 1966. That same year Judge Paige was appointed and Geneva served as his permanent Clerk until her retirement in July of 1978. Geneva gave over 30 years of devoted service to the people of Fresno County.

After Geneva retired she became heavily involved in volunteer work. She volunteered at Community Hospital. She was an active member in her church. She volunteered in the church office, and was appointed Church Clerk serving three years. In addition, she served as Treasurer of the American Baptist Women's Association. She taught Sunday School, and during the week she would tutor students struggling with reading at Fort Miller Jr. High School. In 1984 she became active in Sharon Temple Daughters of the Nile (a Masonic Organization), serving as Treasurer for the Nile Patrol Unit. She served as Treasurer for the Fresno County Retirees Employees Association for 12 years. When The New Wrinkles Show at Fresno City College began in 1989, both Geneva and John began a twenty year commitment to the show. Geneva never one to want to be in the spotlight, decided that she was best suited for all things behind the scenes. Even though she was never on the stage, she helped make sure the performers shined their best.

Geneva was loved by everyone that ever had the opportunity to know her. She loved to bake; chocolate chip cookies and sheet cake were her specialty. But most of all, Geneva loved her family. She was the voice of reason and had no trouble making the tough decisions from time to time.

The family would like to give thanks to all the caregivers that participated in her care during her time of need; a special thank you to Maria Ortiz Osuna for all her love and support. Geneva loved you very much.

Geneva is survived by two sons; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Friday, March 1, 2013, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Fresno First Baptist Church, 1400 E. Saginaw Way, Fresno, Ca., on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be made to The Fresno First Baptist Church,1400 Saginaw Way, Fresno, Ca, 93704.