Graveside services conducted by Anderson Burris Funeral Home of Enid for Geneva Darlene VanMeter, 95, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at The Enid Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Ted Kuschel, Emmanuel Baptist Church of Enid, Oklahoma.
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Geneva Darlene (Howell) VanMeter was born on April 18, 1923 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to pioneer settlers, Charles O. Howell and Laura Alice (Moke) Howell, the eighth of nine children and died on June 18, 2018 in Enid. She grew up and attended schools in eastern Oklahoma including Inola and Catoosa. Geneva was valedictorian of the Catoosa High School Class of 1942. After graduating she worked at Spartan Aircraft Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma which was then owned by J.Paul Getty, who toured the plant during the early part of World War II. She later worked at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas as a riveter.
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She met Sgt. Freddie J. VanMeter in San Antonio, Texas while he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, and they were married on November 3, 1942. While her husband was serving overseas in the European Theater of Operations, Geneva joined the U.S. Army WAC’s and served as a medical and surgical technician at U.S. Army Borden General Hospital in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Geneva and her husband Freddie both received honorable discharges in October, 1945.
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The couple settled in Tonkawa, Oklahoma where he was in the building and construction business for 19 years. They had two daughters, Vicki and Terry, and one son Philip. During her years in Tonkawa, Geneva served as president of the Lincoln School PTA, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was president of the Campfire Leaders Association for 6 years. She later worked as Deputy City Clerk for the City of Tonkawa and at First National Bank of Tonkawa. Geneva had a desire to serve the Lord and was faithful to use her many talents as an active member of Tonkawa First Baptist Church, singing in the choir, teaching children's Sunday School and cooking for the youth at Falls Creek Camp.
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When the family moved to Enid, Oklahoma in 1964 she went to work for Central National Bank & Trust and retired after 28 years of service. In retirement she owned and operated a quilting business for 25 years. She’s been a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Enid since 1967 and was an active member of the Mary Martha Sunday School Class. She was also a volunteer at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital.
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She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, son Philip, her parents, six brothers and two sisters.
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Survivors are Vicki Janky and husband Wilfred, Terry Blubaugh and husband Roger. Six grandchildren, Traci (Blubaugh) Ratliff, Darcey (Bluebaugh) Trenary, Monica (Janky) Pevehouse, Kimberly (Janky) Stafford, Sean VanMeter and Rita (Christman) Guinn, twelve great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.
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In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Emmanuel Baptist Church Mission Fund at 2505 W. Owen K. Garriott Road, Enid, Oklahoma 73703.
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To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Geneva Darlene VanMeter please visit our Sympathy Store.
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Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580)233-2700.
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