Geneva Mary Rackers, 88, Wardsville, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, at Capital Region Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones. She was united in Heaven with her son, Philip.
She was born March 13, 1938, the daughter of Frank and Leona Barbara (Hoerschgen) Schaefer in Loose Creek.
Geneva was a 1956 graduate of Fatima High School.
She was united in marriage to Paul Stephan Rackers on Sept. 7, 1959, in Loose Creek.
Geneva retired from Scholastic where she worked in the book club ordering department. In earlier years, she worked for the Bureau of the Blind and was co-owner and secretary of Beach Heating and Cooling Company. She also worked where needed on their dairy farm.
Geneva was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church where she was a charter member of Holy Hour and volunteered for church picnics.
Together with her husband they had a love of tractors and belonged to the Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association, Osage River Antique Power Association, and Case Screaming Eagle Association. Geneva volunteered in various activities with these associations and enjoyed driving tractors in area parades.
She enjoyed traveling, Sunday road trips, cooking, canning, flower gardening, and making desserts especially for her grandchildren.
Geneva was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Leona; young son, Philip Rackers; brother, Xavier; and sister-in-law, Arbutuf “Beauty” Schaefer.
She is survived by husband, Paul; daughters, Darla Craig and friend Billy Collins of Cairo and Jill Grellner and husband John of Wardsville; honorary daughter, Camille Grothoff and husband Randy of Osage Bend; grandchildren, Joanie Worthey and husband Landon, Christie Peery and husband Corey, Taylor Schenewerk and husband Kyle, Amberlyn Ferrell and husband Ryan, Chantz Fisher and husband Scott and Seth and Owen Grellner; honorary grandchildren, Steven Grothoff and wife Hallie, Kelsey DeMois and husband Aaron and Rachael Schulte and husband Justus; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and siblings,Virginia Gentges and husband Edward and Walter Schaefer and wife Judy, both of Jefferson City and Daniel Schaefer and wife Florence of Loose Creek.
Mass of Christian Burial was held (today),Wednesday, April 8, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Interment was in St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. Stanislaus Education Foundation in Memory of Geneva Rackers, St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 6418 Route W., Jefferson City, MO 65101 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes - Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com
