Feb. 10, 1942-Feb. 24, 2022
Gennilee Kahle Abbott, 80, of Washington City passed away surrounded by her adoring family on Feb. 24, 2022, after a long, hard-fought fight against Alzheimer’s.
Genni was born Feb. 10, 1942, in Erie, Pennsylvania, though ultimately planted her roots at the age of 16 in St. George after gaining independence from foster care.
St. George is where Genni met her eternal soulmate, Douglas Claude Abbott, at the “Big Hand Café”. After a short time, Doug and Genni married on Aug. 31, 1962, and they wasted no time starting their very large family of 10. As a true testament to her character and Doug’s patience, it’s important to note that although they were busy raising 10 of their own, they also took in many others along the way, never leaving anyone in need without a hot meal to eat or a safe place to stay. She truly loved people, especially the underdogs.
Genni excelled in crafting, many times dragging her husband and grandkids to local craft shows where she would display her hand-made jewelry, signs and welding designs. She was exceptionally good at sewing and often would make matching outfits for her children.
In her later years, Genni looked forward the most to going on drives with her husband and spending time with her family. She would drop anything on a dime for anyone who needed it. She was selfless beyond measure, almost to a fault. No distance too far or problem too small, you could always count on her to be there.
Gennilee is survived by eight children, 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; Jeff and Jen of Scottsdale, Arizona; Becky and Bryan Smethurst of St. George; Chris of Salt Lake City; Matt of Dutch John; Gena and Justin Tripp, Nicki Abbott, Emilee and Josh Faulkner and Mason and Lexi, all of St. George.
She is preceded in death by her husband Douglas Abbott, son Scott Abbott, daughter Kimberly Patterson and grandson Kacy Abbott.
Services for Genni will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 11 a.m. at 441 S 2200 E, St. George. Viewing will be at the same chapel on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 6-8 p.m. and another viewing March 5, 2022, 9:30–10:30 a.m, at the same chapel.
Those unable to attend the in person are welcome to watch the services live by clicking the Zoom link here.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St, St. George, (435) 673-2454. Family and friends are invited to leave a comment on Spilsbury Mortuary’s Facebook page.