Genevieve Bagby Kinkade

Genevieve was born on July 27, 1925, on the family farm in Wasco, Oregon. She was the sixth of seven children born to Leslie and Maggie Barnett. At about two years of age, the family moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where Genevieve was raised. Always interested in music, she had seven years of piano lessons as a child and young adult. Genevieve was her teacher's star pupil, memorizing pieces before the teacher had even given her any instruction.

After graduating from Central High School in Muskogee, she enrolled as a music major at Northeastern State Teachers College (now Northeastern State University). She later transferred to Oklahoma State University.

One of her first jobs was at the V.A. Hospital where she was Social Director in the "Special Services" Unit. A piano was moved into the different wards where she would play for the patients. She also oversaw bingo games at night. While working at the V.A., she met and fell in love with a young veteran, Harry Bagby. Harry and Genevieve were married on June 22, 1947.

Their first two children were born in Muskogee. They decided to make the move to California where their last two children were born in Long Beach. With four young ones to care for, Genevieve became a full-time homemaker. Harry and Genevieve bought their present home in Long Beach where she lived for the last fifty-one years.

After her family was grown, Genevieve went back to work as a secretary in Harry's law practice. When Harry died in 1977, she went to work for Interconex, an international shipping company. She remained with Interconex until her retirement in 1985.

Though officially retired, she continued her work as a church organist. She was a proud member of the American Guild of Organists and played at many churches in the Long Beach area over the years. Her last position was at the First Church of the Brethren where she served as both organist and choir director.

Genevieve loved to travel. One of her favorite trips was a European tour where she had the opportunity to play on historic organs in many famous cathedrals. It was on a trip to Niagara Falls that she met her second husband, John Kinkade. Genevieve and John married on January 19, 1997, and were married until his death in 2002.

She loved helping children and young people. She supported Christian youth camps and scholarships. She liked to knit and made over 200 sweaters and patchwork quilts to send to a Christian orphanage in Mexico. She also knit numerous caps and scarves for homeless veterans.

She found her final church home at Lakewood Village Community Church. She was active in Adnee Hall where she served as secretary and prepared devotions. She volunteered to help with Vacation Bible School. She attended the Wednesday night Adult Christian Education classes and Saturday Nighters. She especially enjoyed the many musical programs and events that were held at LVCC.

Genevieve passed into eternal rest on November 5, 2018. She is survived by her daughter Cynthia Labrum; son Harry Bagby; daughter Vicki Lawrence and husband Mike; daughter Bobbi Gurule and husband Marty; granddaughter Katie Villanueva and husband Wilson; granddaughter Nichole Bagby; and great-granddaughter Courtney Villanueva. She is also survived by her dear friend, Sandy Saldano.

Genevieve was a blessing to friends and family for 93 years. Her kind and generous nature will be missed by all who knew her.