Genevieve Champion, 83, of Odessa, MO, died Thursday, January 4, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs, MO.

Born December 28, 1940, in Waverly, MO, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Hartwig. On July 17, 1959, in Blackburn, MO, she married Benjamin H. Champion Sr., who survives the home.

She grew up in Saline County and moved to Lafayette County in 1972. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Blackburn, MO. She worked at Banquet Foods and as a phone operator. She raised 5 children. She was a charter member of Shephard of the Valley Lutheran Church in Oak Grove, MO. She was a member of the Odessa Optimist, Red Hat Ladies, Ladies Auxiliary, VFW, a boy and girl scout leader and Lutheran Women Missionary League (LWML).

Survivors include two sons, Ben Champion, Jr of Overland Park, KS., Blair Champion (Ed Shipley) of Rehoboth Beach, DE. and two daughters Carlotta and Dale Miller of Odessa, MO, Patti and Bert Ruehter of LaMonte, MO. Grandchildren Lisa (Adam) Hellman, Jefferson City, MO, Ashley (Will), California, MO, Kristen (Troy) Anderson, Sedalia, MO., Jessica (Levi) Riley, Versailles, MO., and Victoria (fiancé Patrick) Riley, Odessa, MO. and 4 great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she preceded in death by one son, Todd Champion, one sister Mary Lou Daughtrey, two brothers Merle Hartwig, David Hartwig.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Shephard of the Valley Lutheran Church, 600 SE 12th Street, Oak Grove. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri 816-690-4441