Genevieve Rannells

Genevieve Louise (Fouts) Rannells was born June 11, 1914, in Atlantic, Iowa, to Alva and Viva (Simmons) Fouts. She graduated from Atlantic High School and then Simpson College in 1936. She taught in Linden and Paton, Iowa, and in 1938 she was hired in Dunlap and taught English, Latin, and remedial reading. She also directed plays and sponsored the school newspaper. Genevieve met her husband, Edgar Rannells, through the United Methodist Church's Epworth League. The couple married on August 23, 1941, after receiving permission from the Dunlap School Board, not only to marry, but for her to retain her teaching position. Edgar was drafted in the army shortly afterward. After he graduated from Officers' School, Genevieve resigned her position in Dunlap and joined him in various postings until he was sent overseas in June of 1944. Genevieve returned to teaching in West Liberty, Iowa.

In January 1946, the couple returned to Dunlap purchasing a home from one of Edgar's aunts. Genevieve stayed home to raise their daughters, but remained active in the church and community. When the girls were older, she returned to teaching as a substitute in the Dunlap and Dow City schools, and for a time was the full-time study hall supervisor for the high school in Dunlap.

Genevieve will be remembered for the many cards and letters she wrote to family and friends, the verses she wrote to mark special occasions, and her musical talents. She loved to read, travel, work crossword puzzles, and spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Genevieve died January 4, 2011, at the Dunlap Nursing and Rehab Center, at the age of 96 years, six months, and 24 days.

Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar and daughter, Karen. She is survived by her daughter, Joan (Paul) Humphrey of Lincoln, NE; two grandsons, Devin (Christine) Humphrey and their two children Kaley and Colin of Lincoln, NE, and Nathan (Shari) Humphrey of Kansas City, Missouri; sister Marjorie Fairly of Portland, OR; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial Services
2:00 pm Saturday, January 8, 2011
First United Methodist Church
Dunlap, Iowa

Clergy
Pastor Carla Johnsen

Musicians
Barb Amsberry & Pastor Carla Johnsen

Vocal Selection
"It Is Well With My Soul"

Congregational Hymn
"Sweet Hour of Prayer"

Recorded Selection
"Far Side Banks of Jordan"

Organ Selection
"In the Garden"

Final Resting Place
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Dunlap, Iowa