Genevieve Bird Whiting

Genevieve Bird Whiting (Gen), age 91, from Mapleton, Utah passed away Thursday, July 26, 2012. She was born January 31, 1921 at the base of West Mountain west of Payson, Utah. She married Stewart Cook Whiting on September 19, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. At the time of his death they had been married 55 years





Genevieve was known as Nana to her grandchildren, and for many years her home in Mapleton served as a place where they would always find frozen pizza, ice cream, and a listening ear. She called her children "the loves of my life," and said that each time a child was born to her she "felt totally, supremely, successful." She loved family, laughter, and finding and creating beauty in her surroundings.





She was a dedicated gardener and enjoyed using the seed catalogs to plan her next year's garden. She loved nature and taking walks, and she was mindful of the pheasants, wild cats, and other wild animals that lived in the area. During the cold weather she would leave food for them in the field behind her house. Her idea of a perfect day was watching a blizzard while sitting warm inside in a comfortable chair with a good book. She loved to read nonfiction, particularly history. Gen valued education, and tried to learn something new every day. She always had a desire to try driving a semi, but never had the opportunity; however she did take a ride with her grandson Joel.





She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in the Toronto Eastern Canadian Mission during the Second World War and was the assistant to the President. She held many callings in the Church throughout her life, and in her later years she served with her husband Stewart in the Provo Temple.





Gen was also a true blue BYU fan. She began her studies at BYU in the 1940s and resumed them in the 1960s, graduating in 1973. Following her graduation she worked for the Provo School District. She and her husband were Cougars football fans, and after their retirement they enjoyed driving to away games. Together they visited every state except Hawaii.





Gen was very involved in Mapleton life and served as a City Council member for several years. She knew a great deal about the history of the area and was instrumental in opening and running the Mapleton Pioneer Heritage Museum.





Genevieve is survived by her children Craig (Joyce), Bruce (Sherri), Brenda (Ron) Price, and Nan (Larry) Murray and her 16 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Stewart, her siblings Norman Bird who died in World War II, Robert Bird, and her twin sister Virginia Allred, and her son Brooks Monroe Whiting.





The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Reid's Park Place where mom made her "home" for the past few years, Dr. David Bennion and his staff for their concern and support, and a special thanks to the Encompass Home Health & Hospice staff, especially Dana and Darla, for their loving care





Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at the White Church in Mapleton, Utah. Friends may call at the Mapleton Wheeler Mortuary, located at 82 West 400 North, in Mapleton, UT, Monday Evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church Tuesday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Springville.