Genevieve Sugarbaker

Genevieve Gen Sugarbaker was a skilled professional and loving wife, mother and grandmother who cared deeply for her family. She made herself vulnerable to others, and while that may have caused her wounding from time to time, the depth of her emotions poured out to her loved ones. The pride and joy of her heart, Genevieves family came first as she set aside her own concerns to care for others. Genevieve was born just two months after the United States entered the First World War, yet the Rull family of Grand Rapids, Michigan was excited with the birth of their daughter Genevieve on June 19, 1917. Ralph and Leona (Muma) Rull operated a farm, and they instilled the values of hard work and family cohesion in their five children: Verney, Daniel, Gladys, Genevieve and Pauline. Growing up on a farm and coming of age during the Great Depression, Genevieve learned to be responsible in many ways. In addition to her usual chores, she picked strawberries in the summer heat and often got sunburned. But Gen was more than willing to do her part for her family, and she quit school after the 8th grade to work at home. Gratefully, farm families were self sufficient and always had enough food to put on the table and plenty of love to go around. The Rulls were very close, and for years to come, they regarded special gatherings for the holidays and family reunions as events not to be missed Genevieve began a family of her own when she met and married Henry Sugarbaker. The two were very much in love when they made their vows on May 28, 1937, and during the years of their long marriage, they did most everything together. Gen adored Henry, and their love for one another saw them through joy and sorrow. They were overjoyed with the births of their three wonderful childrenDuane, Richard and Carolbut deeply saddened when their youngest child was diagnosed with cancer. Gen and Henry expended all the money they had, and then some, but it was not enough. Tragically, little Carol passed away at the age of five. Genevieve was a loving mother and would do anything for her family. Their needs were her first priority, even when she worked outside the home. In the kitchen, Genevieve cooked for her family (pork chops were a favorite) and sang hymns, such as In The Garden, Rock of Ages, The Old Rugged Cross and more. In the Muskegon work force, Gen was employed with Amazon, Muskegon Piston Ring, and Grossmans Department Store, from which she eventually retired. As a buyer for one of the citys leading retail stores, Gen was in charge of ordering wedding gowns for Grossman. Her purchasing took her on flights around the country to pick out designs that were sure to delight prospective brides. In retirement, Gen and Henry had more time to invest in family, home and travel. As she had with their children, Gen went to school and extracurricular activities of their grandchildren and great grandchildren, and she loved taking care of them. In fact, the more children, the more care she could give. Gen enjoyed being at home to knit, crochet, sew and stitch needlepoint. The family first lived on Pine Street and Fleming Avenue in Muskegon, but then had settled into a home on West Street. Tending their beautiful yard became a source of pride for Gen and Henry, and they won awards for the lawn and landscaping. When the children were young, Gen and Henry had vacationed in New York and Niagara Falls, but when the kids were out of the house, the two of them took trips out West and into Canada. For recreation, they liked to play horseshoes and watch baseball and hockey. More than anything, they enjoyed time spent with each other and creating family traditions that were passed on to the next generation. With Genevieves death at age 92, she leaves a legacy of love and faithfulness to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They will miss her dearly and remember her tenderly. Mrs. Genevieve "Gen" Sugarbaker, of Muskegon, Michigan, died Monday, January 4, 2010. She is survived by her son, Duane (Ellen) Sugarbaker of Muskegon; grandchildren, Mark (Rosemary) Sugarbaker of Fruitport, Pam Watson of Muskegon, Leisa Schaner of Muskegon, Russell Sugarbaker of Whitehall, Amy (Kevin) Howard of Muskegon; 12 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; sister, Pauline Griffen of Muskegon, daughter-in-law, Sandy Sugarbaker. Mrs. Sugarbaker was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Henry, in 2005; her parents; son, Richard; daughter, Carol; brother, Daniel; sisters, Gladys and Verney. A service to celebrate her life will be held Friday, January 8, 2010, 11:00 AM at Unity Reformed Church, where she was a long time member. Pastor Kyle DeYoung officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, 6-9 PM, at Clock Life Story Funeral Home ~ Muskegon and Friday, 1 hour prior to the service, at Unity Reformed Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.