Grace Geneil Christensen Tobler

Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and choice daughter of our Heavenly Father passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on June 5, 2024.   The final days before her death were spent saying heartfelt goodbyes to her six children, 33 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren. 

Geneil was born on July 2, 1935.  She was the youngest of eight siblings – Leslie, Edgar, Joseph and Leola were born to her father’s first wife, Caroline Lundsteen, who died in childbirth.  Eight years later, her father married Grace Petersen in the Manti temple.   Kirk, Craig, Renon, and Geneil were born into this union.  When Geneil was born, her father was nearly 60 years old.  The world has been blessed because a willing mother and father brought her into the world when many would have said it was too late.  Her 82 direct descendants are truly grateful that she was sent by God and allowed to bless our lives. 

Geneil grew up in Levan, Utah, the “navel” of the state.  She was a precocious child and was involved in many activities.  As the youngest of 8, she admitted that she was spoiled compared to her older siblings.  Geneil loved learning and did well in her scholastic endeavors, including being Valedictorian of her 9th Grade Jr. High class.  At Juab High, she participated in a host of activities including Girls State, working at Carter’s Café, was the first girl to run for student body president, had the lead in the Senior Play, and was the yearbook editor and played drums in the band.  Although they didn’t choose a Valedictorian, her advisor told her that if they had chosen one, it would have been her. 

Growing up, she had many friends that were dear to her.  Her sister Renon, seven years her senior, was her closest and longest!  She doted on Geneil when she was young and did the same to her children as well.  Near the time of her passing, Geneil stated that she still missed her weekly calls with Renon seven years after her sister’s passing. 

College years found her at BYU.  She finished with a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and a Mrs. degree awarded by her husband Leon.  After their marriage Geneil worked as an elementary school teacher for at least 16 years.  The bulk of her teaching career took place at East Midvale Elementary after all her children were in school.    

Geneil married Leon Tobler on February 22, 1957 in the Manti Temple.  At the time of Leon’s passing, they had been married for nearly 66 years.  The couple welcomed into this union – Cherilyn, LeAnn, Scott, Paula, Shaun, and Marilee.  Geneil’s husband, family, and service to others were the foci of her life.  Whether at school or at home, she was stickler for proper grammar and would correct almost anyone if they didn’t use proper English.

While raising her large family, they worked hard and played hard.  Camping, boating, fishing, cross-country trips and motorcycling with Leon filled summer months.  Geneil loved to play games, card and board games.  Many hours of bonding and enjoyment with her children and grandchildren were spent around a table playing games. 

Geneil was a faithful and converted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Much of her service was rendered in the service of her fellow “brothers and sisters” through church callings.  Primary, MIA, City Center Leadership Mission, Dallas Texas Temple Mission, and Salt Lake Temple Worker callings were some of the areas Geneil rendered service. 

One of her greatest examples of service was the care for her aging mother while still raising her active family.  She was truly “sandwiched” between an aging mother and children with a variety of needs and wants.  The care she received from her children and in-laws in her final years was a direct blessing from her own example decades earlier. 

She is survived by her children and their spouses:  Cherilyn (Keith), LeAnn (Rob), Scott, Paula (Glenn), Shaun (Martha), Marilee (Mike), 33 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren. 

She is proceeded in death by her parents, all her brothers and sisters, and husband. 

Funeral Services will be held in the Valley View Stake Center at 2245 E. 3900 S. in Millcreek, Utah at 11 am on June 15, 2024.   Viewings will be held on June 14, 2024 from 6 to 8 pm and from 9 am to 10:30 am directly proceeding the funeral. 

Interment will be at Wasatch Lawns Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. 

To stream services, please visit the links below

Stake YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/SaltLakeValleyViewStakeBroadcasts

Broadcast link - https://youtube.com/live/KckMluQLh30?feature=share