Geneva L. Martin BrownVignery, 98, of Hiawatha, died Sunday morning, April 27, 2014, at Vintage Park Assisted Living Apartments in Hiawatha.

Geneva was born in Riley County, KS, on the family farm, January 23, 1916, one of six children born to Ernest and Augustas Stienbrink Martin. She grew up at Longford, KS where she attended country school, later graduating from Walker High School at Milford in 1936. Though all of her working life, she helped run a taxi cab service and worked in many restaurants throughout the state following her husband’s job building bridges in many different states, making new friends wherever she went.

Geneva was an accomplished pianist; played in several musical groups in her early years along with playing for the Moose Lodge at Concordia. She was a strong patriot, supported the military however she could as her brother served in the Navy. She was a 67 year member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary at Concordia and through the years, had held many offices. Geneva was an avid conversationalist, loved being around family and friends. She also loved flowers, working in the yard, gardening, and her pets: Jill & Missy. She also was a member of the Orphan Train civic organization in Concordia.

She was married to Harold O. Brown, January 18, 1941, at Kansas City, Kansas. Together they had four sons before they divorced. Geneva later married Byron Vignery who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother; and four sisters.

Geneva is survived by her four sons: L.F. “Brownie” Brown of Hiawatha, Steve Brown of Robinson, H. Martin (Kay) Brown of Omaha, NE, Dana (Shelly) Brown of Gilbert, South Carolina; a sister Norma Bruins of Abilene, KS. Also surviving are nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Cremation is planned with a family service to be held at Miltonvale later the summer.

To honor Geneva’s patriotism, a memorial donation may be made to the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7^th St., Hiawatha 66434. A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com