Geneva Carter

Geneva McCoid Carter passed away on February 27 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka, Kansas.



Her 104 years of life and 71 years of marriage were filled with joy and excitement and a real zest for living. Geneva was born July 21, 1902 to William Ebert McCoid and Margaret Ellen Gibbons McCoid in Duncan Falls, Ohio. She lived on her parent's farm until she left for college. She graduated from Ohio University in Athens with a bachelors degree, where she played womens basketball and majored in romance languages. She subsequently taught Spanish and Latin.



On June 23, 1931 Geneva married Bruce H. Carter, a graduate electrical engineer from Ohio State University, who was born near Duncan Falls. During their early days of marriage they lived in Cinncinati and Zanesville, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Madison, Wisconsin; and University Park, Maryland. In 1948 they moved to their final location, Topeka, Kansas.



Geneva's principal interests were her family, church, traveling, gardening and her many friends. Her family consisted of a son, Bill, and two daughters, Mary and Nancy. She was proud that each of them graduated from Topeka High School and major universities. Initially her travels were within the United States with her family and by 1951 they had visited all 48 states. When Alaska and Hawaii became states she also enjoyed visits there. She later made a number of trips abroad capped by a 42 day around the world venture in 1965. Geneva and her family regularly attended Sunday church services at the First Presbyterian Church in Topeka. She was quite active in church activities and held various offices there. Over the years she was a member of AAUW, PTAs, Chapter EP of P. E. O., Kiwanitas and other organizations.



In 1985 Geneva and Bruce moved from their residence at 1900 Washburn Ave. to a smaller home at Aldersgate Village. They adored their home on Washburn, across from the Washburn University campus and they were delighted that it was purchased by a church, which then moved it to Osage City, where it serves as a parsonage. They enjoyed their independent living at Aldersgate until their health declined early in 2000 and they moved to the nursing facilities. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2001 with a reception for friends and a family dinner with her expanding family of children and grandchildren.



Geneva was predeceased by her husband Bruce H. Carter, her brother, Joseph Melvin McCoid and her sister, Winona Manifold. She is survived by her children and their spouses—William and Louise Ann Carter of Wilmington, Delaware; Mary and William Jungmann of Philpot, Kentucky; and Nancy and Michael Rion of West Hartford, Connecticut. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.



Mrs. Carter will lie in state after 8:00 am, Friday, March 2 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. The casket will remain closed. Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Chapel, Saturday, March 3rd at 1:30pm. Interment will be private. Although Geneva loved flowers, the family suggests a contribution to a charity of your choice. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.