Geneva S. Boyles, 88, of 424 Weldon St., Montoursville, died Tuesday, March 25, 2008, in Pennsdale at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Christine Boyles. Born June 16, 1919 on the family homestead in Lincoln Falls, Elkland Twp., Sullivan County, she was a daughter of the late Irvin and Geneva S. (Bown) McCarty. When her mother died two days after she was born, her grandparents, George and Molly Bown, took her into their home and raised her. On October 27, 1939, she married her husband of 68 years, Carl E. Boyles. Geneva was able to receive her diploma from Estella High School after attending school for only 11 years. She then worked for more than 25 years in the former Leo's Department Store in Montoursville. In 1970 she and her son, Donald, purchased the business from the previous owner. The store was renamed Boyles Department Store, and together they operated the business until Geneva retired in 1982. For many years she played the organ at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Lincoln Falls. Geneva enjoyed the challenge of a good crossword puzzle and the lure of an intriguing jigsaw puzzle. Many times she could also be found cheering for her favorite baseball team, the Philadelphia Phillies. Geneva was a beautiful wife, a devoted mother, and a special grandmother. Her memory will always be cherished by those who loved her. In addition to her husband, she is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Eugene E. and Mary Boyles of Montoursville, Robert C. and Laura Boyles of Muncy Valley, Donald S. "Doc" and Bonnie Boyles of Montoursville, and William C. and Christine Boyles of Pennsdale; 10 grandchildren, Patsy Madden, Jeffrey Boyles, Roberta Reitz, Robert Boyles, Richard Boyles, Douglas Boyles, Meghan Graham, Jeremy Boyles, Nicole Hawk and Stephanie Mutchler; 9 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, at Grenoble's, 121 S. Main St., Muncy. Officiating will be the Rev. Donald E. Yorks, pastor of Farragut United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Twin Hills Memorial Park, Muncy. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.The family welcomes flowers; however, if desired memorial contributions may be made to either Sun Home Health Services, 61 Duke St., P. O. Box 232, Northumberland, PA 17857, or the music program at Farragut United Methodist Church, 61 State Route 864, Montoursville, PA 17754.

The Williamsport Sun Gazette