Geneva Crain

Geneva Crain, 83 of Desere’ Ranch, Lometa, passed away January 29, 2018 of cancer. Nona Geneva Craiin was born January 9, 1935 near Lometa, the daughter of Bill Delano and Letha Whitely Delano. Bill Delano was a carpenter at Fort Hood, so Geneva went to school at Unity and graduated from Lampasas in 1953. She married Billie M. Crain and moved to Fort Worth where the 2 eldest sons Neal Curtis and Lloyd Dale were born. In 1958 they moved back to manage the family ranch. They lived in the home Floyd and Lota Crain built in 1934. Two more children were born, a daughter, Lisa Beth and a son, William Darrell. All 4 graduated from Lometa High. Her children graduated giving their mother credit because she worked day and night to make sure their clothes were perfect and their homework was done. She encouraged them all to do some type of UIL and or sports which added endless hours to her already long days. Geneva was involved in school from 1961-1984. She was PTA President, Garden Club President, Cub Scout/Boy Scout Leader, Brownie/Girl Scout Leader, made donkey head/igloo etc. for 5th grade plays, taught square dance and made lots and lots of cookies. Geneva opened a Health Spa in Lampasas in the early 70's. She maintained a private health practice in Reflexology and Lymph Therapy, with patients from all over Texas. She was included in the publication, "Notable Women of Texas". Billie, understanding the pain of war, opened the Crain home to 7 Disabled Veterans for 12 years. They were Aloe Vera Distributors, teaching their grandkids from birth "put aloe on it". Billie and Geneva built and operated a seasonal Dude Ranch "Desere" with guest from around the US and abroad. (Desere’- meaning hard work) Geneva being a carpenter’s daughter, enjoyed all aspects of the dude ranch. She designed plans, purchased materials, hired subs and ran the project with Billie as her support. She installed insulation, tile, painted etc. She created an ambiance of country living at its finest, charging little so others could enjoy. Billie was a BBQ king. Geneva enjoyed writing advertising and news items. Later she wrote several books. Sometimes Love published in 2001. My Life with the Brigadier General in 2017 and 3 detective stories to be printed. She created covers for the detective books using items that tie to her, her husband and children. Geneva Crain made a wonderful life for herself and her family from the banks of Sims Creek. She read books from all over bringing all good things to our doorstep. Every dream was for something wonderful for her husband and children. She is preceded in death by her husband Billie M. Crain, her parents, Bill and Letha Delano, sons, Neal and Dale Crain. Bille was cremated so his ashes could be placed in her casket. They will be laid to rest in the family cemetery located on the Crain Ranch. A cemetery that was built by Billie, Neal and Dale at the request of Floyd H. Crain. She is survived by her daughter Lisa and husband Joe VanNatta and son W D Crain, who all live on the ranch. 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Donations to be made to the Cherokee Children’s Home.