Geneva Hannah Ashwander

Geneva Hannah Ashwander May 5, 1922 - July 16, 2014 Geneva Hannah Ashwander, 92, of Waco, formerly of McAllen, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2014. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 22, at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with The Rev. Aaron M.G. Zimmerman officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Monday, July 21, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Geneva was born May 5, 1922, in Fairy, Texas, to Florence and Ernest R. Eudaly, Sr. She graduated from Texas Woman's University in 1943 with a Bachelor of Business degree. Geneva married Ralph E. Ashwander on February 14, 1947. They lived in Houston and on Rocky Creek Ranch in Lometa, Texas, before settling in McAllen. She returned to college after her children were grown and received her Master of Education degree from Pan American University. Geneva then taught school in McAllen for many years. After retirement she was an active volunteer and former president of the Friends of the McAllen Public Library. She especially enjoyed teaching English to her Chinese students, who fondly called her, "Teacher". They had three children. She was a dedicated teacher who loved to read and encouraged everyone around her to read as well. Her family was very important to her and she did not miss a chance to share their many accomplishments. Geneva was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church of McAllen and most recently a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church of Waco. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Ashwander; sisters, Barbara Redding, Paula Carter and Mildred Huffman; and brother, Ernest R. Eudaly, Jr. She is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Merkh and husband, John, of Waco and Peggy Ashwander of Corsicana, Texas; son, Robert S. Ashwander and wife, Cherie, of Katy, Texas; grandchildren, Lindsay Kulhanek and husband, Cliff, Brittany Hauck and husband, Chris, Laura Slonaker and husband, Jes, Beth Garcia and husband, Krys, Andrew Merkh and Mallory Ashwander; great grandchildren, Cliff, Justin and Kailey Kulhanek and Briggston and Bryker Hauck and Baby Slonaker. Pallbearers are Andrew Merkh, Krystopher Garcia, Christopher Hauck, Cliff Kulhanek, James Baker, Jes Slonaker and Phil Albrecht. The family wishes to thank the staff of Ridgecrest Retirement Center for their loving care and compassion. Memorials may be made to McAllen Public Library, 4001 N. 23rd St., McAllen, TX 78504, St. John's Episcopal Church in McAllen, 2500 N. 10th St., McAllen, 78501 or St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 305 N. 30th St., Waco, 76710. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.