Genevieve Dawson

Genevieve Betty (Sivumaki) Dawson, 81, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on August 10, 2016 at Peace Hospice, in Great Falls, MT.Born on January 27, 1935 to John and Ruth Sivumaki, Gen was the first of three children. She grew up on the family ranch in Belt, MT graduating from Belt Valley High School in 1952. Raised in the beautiful Belt Valley, Gen enjoyed her upbringing greatly, and the time spent with sister Rose Marie and brother Johnny.On July 28, 1953 Gen married her high school sweetheart, Floyd Dawson. After marrying, the couple left for Fort Ord, CA, spending two years there while Floyd was serving in the military. In 1955, Floyd and Gen moved back to Belt to operate the family ranch just outside of town. While in operation, Hidden Valley Ranch, Inc. raised quality Black Angus cattle and American Quarter Horses.Gen wore many hats over the years and wasnt afraid to try new challenges. She spent time working at The Paris, Consumers Press, painting and selling Montana Marble, and worked in the MT State Fair Fine Arts Department for over 40 years. An artist herself, her works now cover the walls of many homes. Although she enjoyed to make works of art, she herself was a work of arta masterpiece in fact. Gen was the homemaker of all homemakers and the cook all ranching families hope for. There wasnt a meal that couldnt be madeno matter the situation or ingredients on hand. Gen took great pride in ensuring that everyone had enough and that a good time was had by all.Gen had much to be proud of; above all else, she was most proud to be Mom to her two children. Twila Jo was born on June 14, 1955 and Bryce Kelly came shortly after, born on June 26, 1958. Her family brought her the most joy and she took advantage of every opportunity to enjoy her time with them. She didnt miss a baseball game that Cord was playing in, and didnt miss a barrel race of Brittanys. She treasured each moment with Bryan and Ashleyeither visiting here or there. Her Great Grandchildren had recently become the one thing that no matter how bad the daycould make her smile; Leila Genevieve and Madyson Rose made each day a little brighter for Gen.Celebrations and getting together with family and friends for annual festivities was a delight. Trips to Seeley Lake, Hawaii, Stock Growers gatherings, Bobcat events, brandings, 4th of July, and Halloween parties at HVR were some of the varied times to celebrate with those she enjoyed most. Christmas time was surely a time to celebrate, and Gens house was something of a phenomenon during the season. Every year, she would compete against herself to present the most beautiful tree and trimmings for all to enjoy. Decorating was a skill for which Gen had the talent. She was able to put her artistic talent to work when she designed her dream home built on Nummers Knob in early 2000.Gens kindness was unparalleled, as was her love and loyalty for family and friends. She loved to raise her Holstein calves, loved bird watching, loved her Jack Russell Terriers (Jeter, Boomer, and Puddin) and she took in any misfit that her children or grandchildren would bring home. She enjoyed watching the Yankees, and couldnt get enough of Michael Jordan and the Bulls. She was always up for the poker or keno machine and enjoyed indulging in a Taco Bravo with sour cream or a good chocolate chip cookie. She had an eye for the finer things, and had a collection of silver and turquoise that most would admire. Before her death, in Gens giving wayshe shared her collection with the family, for them to enjoy. Its tough to put into words what Gen meant to all of us. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten.Gen is survived by her husband, Floyd; daughter Twila (Jim) Croft; son Bryce (Robbin) Dawson; sister Rose Marie Duff; brother John (Terri) Sivumaki; grandsons Cord (Lou) Halmes and Bryan Dawson; granddaughters Brittany (Nick) Budeski and Ashley (Matt) Hennager; great-granddaughters Leila Genevieve Budeski and Madyson Rose Hennager.Gen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruth Sivumaki.A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at Belt Community Church. Burial of ashes will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Belt. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.If desired, donations in Gens honor can be made to Belt Community Church, PO Box 246, Belt, MT 59412.