Genevieve Callister

Genevieve Rose Johns Callister 7/9/13 ~ 4/18/07

Surrounded by her family, Genevieve Callister passed away peacefully on April 18, 2007 at age 93 years. "I was born July 9, 1913 in Bingham Canyon, Utah to Rose Anna Thomas and Richard Stanley Johns. I was the first girl and fourth child, having three older brothers. I understand that my brothers were hoping for another boy, so that in time they would be able to have a baseball team, but Dad soon put their minds at ease by telling them I could play first base." Genevieve's family moved to Salt Lake City while she was a young girl, and later on they settled in Murray. She attended Woodstock School and graduated from Granite High School, where she accompanied the Boys Glee Club and received a letter in the long jump. At an early age, Genevieve started taking piano lessons, and later her education centered around musical training. She attended the University of Utah and the McCune School of Music and Art, and was awarded a bachelor degree in music, specializing in organ performance. While at McCune she studied under two Tabernacle Organists, Tracy Y. Cannon and Frank W. Asper; later in life she also took lessons from Jay Keeler. Genevieve paid for her education and helped support her brothers with theirs as well. After graduating from McCune, she taught music and art at the Arlington Elementary School in Murray for two years. She sang with the Tabernacle Choir, gave piano and organ lessons in her home, and played the organ in LDS Church meetings for almost 80 years. Of course, her children received musical training to one degree or another. Genevieve married William D. Callister on August 10th, 1939 in the Salt Lake Temple. Shortly after their marriage they moved to a home that they had built in East Mill Creek. Here they raised their five children; she resided in this home until her passing. In addition to her musical contributions, she faithfully served in many other church callings. Preceded in death by her parents, her four brothers (Stanley Lamar, Harold Graydon, Chester Thomas, Richard Elias), her husband, her daughter, Rose Anne C. Gordon, and great-grandson, Nathaniel Astorga. Survived by four children: William D. Callister, Jr., Stanley J. Callister (M. Suzanne), Carolyn C. Head (Grant E.), H. James Gordon (son-in-law), David J. Callister (Jennifer), 20 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren; sister, Naomi M. (Ivor G.) Pickering and sister-in-law Virginia S. Johns. The family would like to thank Helen Blauvelt who lovingly cared for Genevieve during the last few weeks of her life. "My mother was truly prepared to meet her Maker, but such a void she left her. She truly had been all that a mother should be, plus a true and sincere friend to me." Funeral services will be held Monday, April 23, 2007 at 12:00 noon at the East Mill Creek 15th Ward chapel, 3750 South Hillside Lane (2500 East), Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held Sunday evening, April 22, 2007 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East and from 10:45 A.M. to 11:45 A.M. at the church prior to services. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.holbrookmortuary.com.