Genevieve L. (Burkhiser) Crilly was born on March 22, 1914 on the family farm in rural Hamburg, Iowa, the daughter of Conde and Katherine (Roach) Burkhiser. Genevieve entered into eternal peace on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Elk Ridge Assisted Living Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 98 years.

Genevieve graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque, Iowa with the Class of 1932. Following graduation she took business correspondence courses and later completed nurses training in Kansas City. She was united in marriage to John Herbert Crilly; they raised 11 children on their farm in rural Farragut. The couple later moved to Council Bluffs, where they farmed for 14 years. Following their retirement from farming, they moved to Sun City, Arizona. The couple enjoyed 47 years of marriage before Herb's passing.

Genevieve was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful seamstress, talented cook, loved to tend to her garden, and was active in several card clubs. She was a member of the Nonesuch Club, St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Mary's Guild, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Council Bluffs, and St. Patrick's Altar Society. Genevieve was a woman of perseverance and fortitude with an adventurous spirit. She raised three children with special needs, she used her business skills to manage the family budget; and knew that by having a close relationship with God that her faith would keep her strong.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Herb; 4 children Martha, Francis, Joan and Catherine; and 1 grandchild, Mary. Those left to honor her memory include her children John Crilly and wife Carolyn, William Crilly and wife Wilma, Gerald Crilly, Therese Paladino and husband Joe, Clare Vetter and husband Tom, Mary Jo Bailey and husband Joe, Romana McManus and husband Greg; 23 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 1, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. The family will recite the rosary prior to services at the church at 9:00 a.m., followed by family visitation until service time. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. A luncheon celebrating her life will be served by the St. Mary's Women Guild in the St Mary's Parish Hall following the burial. Memorials may be directed to the Angel Guardians, 15663 Spaulding, Omaha, NE 68116. The mission of Angel Guardians, Inc. is to improve the quality of life for special-needs teens and adults.