Geneva Louise Ringness 84, passed away on November 17, 2009 in Stockton, CA following a heroic three-time battle with breast cancer with family by her side. Born in Muldrow, OK on March 19, 1925 to Sam and Bertie Spence, she grew up in Redlands, CA, where she was active in church and there met the love of her life, her life partner, Earl Ringness.

Married 67 years, making homes in Rialto, CA and Highland, CA, together they raised two loving children, Jeanie and Dick. In 2007 they moved to Stockton to be closer to family. Geneva made friends easily and loved being surrounded by family and friends.

It was nothing for her to give you a call and invite you over for a “visit, coffee and dessert”. She also loved to travel with Earl. Their travels took them to Europe and many vacations in Hawaii, the second love of her life. Baking was another of her passions and she mastered the art of making Norwegian pastries to the entire family’s delight. Geneva’s recipes are still enjoyed and shared by many.

Geneva was a loyal employee of Stater Brothers Markets for many years. She was everyone’s “favorite checker” because she always took a personal interest in her customers. She cherished her relationship with the Lord and was very active in her churches, Immanuel Baptist Church (Highland, CA) and Quail Lakes Baptist Church (Stockton, CA).

Her life was indeed a testimony to her relationship with God. Being a two-time breast cancer survivor, she was a crusader and a positive influence to other women fighting breast cancer. She ministered to many with needs and illnesses throughout her life. She was always asked to pray for others by family, friends, and acquaintances.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Sam and Bertie Spence, her step-father, Thomas “Bud” Ragsdale, her brother Joel Spence, and sister, Josephine Switzer.

Geneva is survived by her beloved husband, Earl, daughter Jeanie Stewart of Shorewood, WI. and son Dick (Sharon) of Stockton, CA. Her five grandchildren will miss her smiling face; Jerry White (Stephanie), Loveland, CO, Allison Zarse, Glendale, WI, Julie Bridges (Jim), Ripon, CA, Stephanie Pennell (Greg), Winter Garden, FL and Kim Hiltachk (Tom) of Sacramento, CA. along with her eleven great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by loving brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 2:30-4:30pm on Sunday, November 29, 2009 at Bobbitt’s Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, 92404. The celebration of Geneva’s life will be at 2:00pm on Monday, November 30, 2009 at Immanuel Baptist Church, 28355 Baseline Street, Highland, CA, 92346. Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, 28355 Baseline Street, Highland, CA, 92346. Condolences may be sent online at bobbittchapel.com

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Monday, November 23, 2009

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