(Dedicated Volunteer At Archbold’s Sauder Village)
Geneva Arlene Wyse, 93, of Archbold, died peacefully with her husband by her side on the afternoon of Monday, December 16, 2024, at 12:38 pm at Fairlawn Nursing Home in Archbold, OH.
Geneva was born February 18, 1931 in Pettisville, OH, the second daughter to Lawrence and Lucretia (Sauder) Rupp. She grew up on a farm near Pettisville, Ohio.
It was likely here that she grew into the servant heart that led her to minister and love others tirelessly throughout her life.
Geneva met her husband, Dale Wyse, after the two were introduced by an eager Ralph Aschliman that had his own eyes set on Geneva’s older sister, Virginia.
Ralph’s matchmaking skills were an all-around success as both couples found their marriage companions that day. Dale and Geneva married on March 4, 1951 and he made her laugh nearly every day for the next 73 years.
Outside of her home Geneva was never afraid to reinvent herself through work that ministered to the community. She spent years as a dedicated volunteer in many capacities, including Sauder Village, Ten Thousand Villages, and teaching Sunday School.
While raising six kids Dale and Geneva took up the call to ministry at Inlet Mennonite Church and Central Mennonite Church where Geneva tended to their church family in a variety of creative and generous ways while Dale served as pastor. Together they tackled service projects and travel adventures that took them all over the world.
One of Geneva’s favorite acts of service were the years they spent on summer staff at Little Eden Camp in Onekama, Michigan.
She made her famous cinnamon rolls and potato salad as an act of ministry those summers, but it was her much-loved laugh and “oh my stars” that the guests and staff likely remember most.
Geneva’s affection for her children and grandchildren ran deep. Every grandchild knew they would be greeted with joy, excitement, and good food the minute they walked through the door.
Grandma wouldn’t hesitate to drop everything to help, and her family greatly benefited from her fearless sewing skills that stretched from altered wedding dresses to beautiful knotted comforters.
Geneva is survived by her husband, Dale Wyse, her children Terry (Jane Nofziger) Wyse, Duane (Cecilia Hooley) Wyse, Dan (Jhan Yoder) Wyse, Peggy (Mike) Short, Michael (Julia Stutzman) Wyse, Ken (Jenny Litwiller) Wyse, 18 grandchildren, and 45 great grandchildren; as well as siblings Marlin Rupp, Mabel Ann Kauffman, Butch Rupp and Janette Yoder. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Virginia Aschliman, and 2 grandchildren.
Her gentle compassion, endless energy, and servant’s heart will never be forgotten. She overflowed with grace, generosity, and beauty lit from within. To know her was to be loved.
Memorial services will be held on December 27, at 11 AM at Central Mennonite Church. Interment will precede in the Pettisville Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, December 26, at Central from 4-6 PM. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be given to Little Eden Camp or Elara Hospice.
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