Genevieve "Gen" Helen Lionberger, 75, of Greeley, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the "in-house" Hospice at North Colorado Medical Center.
Gen was born on March 10, 1937 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Roger and Helen (Nelson) Gilbert. She lived in several states growing up, as her father was a pastor. She graduated from Wheaton High School and attended Wheaton College. Her family moved to Greeley and she continued her education at Colorado State College of Education, now called the University of Northern Colorado, graduating with a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education. There she met Robert "Lowell" Lionberger and they were married in Greeley, Colorado on June 2, 1957.
The most important and precious part of Gen's life was her love and devotion to her family and her Lord! Gen and Lowell were married for 54 years and enjoyed foreign travel. Gen was an elementary school teacher in Grand Junction and also enjoyed volunteering at church. She was an active member of The Gideons International Auxiliary.
Survivors include: her husband, Lowell Lionberger, sister, Lancey Boyer; son, Mark Lionberger; daughters, Janis Bonds and Lois Langehaug; grandchildren, Andrea Assante, Matt and Kevin Bonds, Lt. Tor and Tad Langehaug, Tamanda Smith, Jason and Daniel Lionberger and five great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Helen Gilbert.
Two memorial services will be held to honor Gen and to celebrate her life. The first service will be held in Greeley, CO on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., at Mountain View Church, with a lunch immediately following. The second service will be held in May in Grand Junction, CO, where Lowell and Gen lived for 46 years. Lowell is a Veteran, and a committal will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado on Monday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, in care of Moser Funeral Service, 3501 S. 11th Avenue, Evans, Colorado 80620.