Geneva Hess Barlese

1921 - 2012

Geneva Hess Barlese was born April 21, 1921, in Likely, Calif., to Ed and Ethel Hess. She made heaven her home on May 9, 2012, in Klamath Falls, Ore. with family at her side.
She was raised in the Likely area, the ancestral homeland of her Hammawi people. In her youth, she often worked alongside her mother and aunts, who taught her the value of hard work done well. As a teenager, she attended Stewart Indian School in Carson City, Nev.
Geneva met the love of her life, Robert Barlese, and they were married in Reno, Nev. She was a loving wife until Bob's passing in 1967. Having no children of her own, she often spent time among her sisters, nieces and nephews. Geneva was a loyal, loving sister and a tender, devoted auntie.
Geneva was proud of her heritage and had a strong intention for protecting sovereign Indian rights. A highlight of her life was traveling to Washington, D.C., alongside her sisters to testify on behalf of land rights.
Geneva was a talented seamstress, bead worker, baker and cook. Many people have fond memories of Geneva devoting herself to supporting the Klamath Full Gospel Church or caretaking for elders. Geneva also enjoyed watching basketball, talking about her TV shows, making good use of everything, and visiting with her friends and family.
Geneva is survived by nephews Delwood Wilson, Herman Anderson, Les Anderson and nieces Elaine Brazzanovich and Nancy Torres; great-nieces and nephews Aaron Jr., Alton and Lyndsey Brazzanovich, Angie Wilson, Annie Wilson, Delwood Wilson II, Eddie Anderson, Eddie Wilson, Faith Santillo, John Anderson, Keetah Schonchin, Monica YellowOwl, Morning Martinez, Nathan Wilson, Newmie Wilson, Nisha Wilson, Sarah Anderson, Sharess Sargent, Skylar Anderson, Tammy Anderson, Tashka Qualls and Victor Torres; and best friend Phoebe Chavez.
Geneva was preceded in death by husband Bob Barlese; parents Ed and Ethel Hess; sisters Lavina Anderson, Della Wilson and her children; Glen, Eddie, Kenny and Danny Wilson.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012, at Klamath Full Gospel Church with Christian Lent officiating at 3206 Onyx Ave. Following, a traditional wake will begin at sundown at the Modoc Indian Full Gospel Church in Alturas, Calif. Church services will follow at 10 a.m. on Tuesday with Maynard McCloud officiating. Burial will be at the Likely Cemetery in Likely, Calif., with a meal to follow at the Likely Fire Hall. Arrangements will be handled by Davenport's Chapel of the Good Shepherd.