Genevieve "Gen" Brown, a lifelong resident of Big Rapids, passed away just short of her 96th birthday on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Altercare of Big Rapids. She was born April 11, 1922, the daughter of Theodore and Margaret (Vietzke) Rasmussen. Gen spent her childhood growing up on the family dairy farm, which is now Falcon Head Golf Course. Gen attended Pleasant View Country School and graduated at the top of her class from Big Rapids High School. She completed a correspondence course in Practical Business Administration and began her employment as the Plant Chiefs secretary for the next five years with Michigan Bell Telephone Company. On October 10, 1942, Gen married Russell Brown, who died in 2009 after almost 67 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Orville and Evelyn Rasmussen and her sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Web Darnell. Gen loved working with children. She was active in the P.T.A. and spent over 20 years involved with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Throughout this time, Gen was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and later became a Troop Leader for Brownie, Junior, Cadet, and Senior Girl Scouts. She was also a Girl Scout District Four Chairman for the Mecosta and Osceola Counties and was a member of the Michigan Trails Council Board of Directors for Girl Scouts. Gen was voted Mother of the Year in a Chamber of Commerce contest in 1959. She was the Campaign Secretary for the Mecosta County United Way for ten years. She received the Mary Pine Elder Citizenship award in 1999. Gen was very proud and honored to achieve the 50 year plaque with the Red Cross from volunteering at our local hospital. She also earned the Clara Barton Medal for her many hours as a Red Cross blood drive volunteer. Genevieve was a lifelong member of the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church. She joined on March 24, 1940, making her the longest member of the church. Throughout her membership, Gen worked with the Womens Society, served on many committees, was a Sunday School teacher, and a Vacation Bible School teacher for many years. She was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 98 serving as the past president, Order of the Eastern Star # 128, the Paris Trailblazers Club, and the High Rise Euchre Club. In addition to her volunteer work, Gen enjoyed golfing and bowling. She loved fishing, hunting, camping, and playing cards with her family and friends. Genevieve will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. She is survived by her three children, Gordon (Marilyn) Brown of Macomb, Diane (Jim) Ludwig of Grand Rapids, and Jan (Bob) Eastley of Big Rapids; five grandchildren, Randy Brown, Michael Brown, Danielle (Jeff) Scramlin, Amy (Chin) Kim, and Sarah Eastley; seven great-grandchildren, Grace and Tyler Brown, Taylor, Grant, and Carter Scramlin, Alexandra Kim, and Jackson Gunter; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church with Reverend Kaye Patton officiating. The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 6th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Genevieve will be laid to rest at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids in the Spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Saturday, April 7, 2018 11:00 AM Big Rapids First United Methodist Church 304 Elm Street Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Friday, April 6, 2018 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307