Geneva Nightingale

Our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Geneva Mae Jantz Nightingale was born to Henry and Matilda Nightingale Jantz on June 18, 1934, near Copeland, Kansas. She peacefully passed away at the Moundridge Manor, Moundridge, Kansas on August 27, 2020 at eighty-six years of age. When Mother was very young together with her parents and two older sisters they moved from Kansas to Fairview, Oklahoma because of health issues brought on from dust storms. She received her elementary education at Standard School near Fairview, Oklahoma, a mile and a half from her home. At the age of 15 she was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Min. Dan Smith on March 19, 1950 at Fairview, Oklahoma. She remained faithful to her vows to the end. On December 15, 1957, she was joined in marriage to Cecil Nightingale by Min. Abe D. Koehn at Fairview, Oklahoma. At that time, he was in 1-W service in Kansas City. After he completed his time of service, they made their home at Chickasha, Oklahoma where God blessed them with three sons. In January of 1968 they felt the Lord leading them to move their family to Cleveland, Mississippi. Four years later, feeling the need to be closer to their congregation, they moved to Leland, Mississippi. Dad was ordained to the ministry in January of 1973. In her quiet way Mom faithfully supported her husband in his calling. This calling led them to move to Bloomfield in November of 1997 to shepherd the new small congregation. This move was a highlight for Mom and generously gave of herself in this endeavor. We have many treasured memories of how mother filled her place in our home. She was a structured person and this entered into many areas of her life. Mom's daily devotion time is a special memory to us. Many will remember her well rounded Sunday dinner of delicious roast, rice, and gravy. Due to failing health they moved to Moundridge Manor, Moundridge, Kansas in December of 2009. In February of 2012 the Lord called Dad home leaving Mom alone but in the tender care of the Manor staff and personnel. We wish to express our deep appreciation for all the loving care given to Mom. Left to cherish precious memories are her sons; Arlo and wife, Melody, Hollandale, Mississippi, Larry and wife Susan, Pulaski, Iowa, Leonard and wife Sandra, Trumann, Arkansas, 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, sisters; Viola Smith, Leland, Mississippi, Jaletta Yost, and Marilyn Johnson, Brooksville, Mississippi, and a close family friend Willie and Blasa Gonzalez, Chihuahua, Mexico, and three brothers-in-law, Frank and Arvilla Nightingale, Moundridge, Kansas, John and MaryAnn Nightingale, Montezuma, Kansas, Vernon Nightingale, Fairview, Oklahoma, two sisters-in-law: Sadie Nightingale, Montezuma, Kansas, Carolyn Nightingale, Leland, Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, 2 sisters, 13 brothers-in-law, 10 sisters-in-law. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at the Bloomfield Mennonite Church with Daryl Toews and Weldon Becker officiating. Burial will be at the Bloomfield Mennonite Church Cemetery. Visitation with family present to greet friends will be from 7-9:00 p.m. on Saturday at the church. A memorial has been established to the Bloomfield Mennonite Church.

Geneva Nightingale

June 18, 1934 - August 27, 2020