Alta Geneva Hauswirth

Alta Geneva Hauswirth, a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering determination, passed away surrounded by the legacy of a life well lived.

Geneva was born in a logging cabin in the mountains of Spring City, Tennessee, the first of eleven children. Raised in humble beginnings, her childhood was filled with stories of living off the land, experiences that shaped the grit, independence, and resourcefulness she carried throughout her life.

In her early years, Geneva was often seen helping with the family farm and other children. Geneva often spoke about her favorite childhood task, milking the dairy cow. She also found creative ways to help with the family’s expenses-landing her first “job” trading minnows she caught for a bottle of Coca-Cola at the local marina.

During her high school years, she moved to Michigan and where she would build the next chapter of her life. It was there she met her husband, Robert Hauswirth, famously remarking, “I like the red-headed one.” Determined and disciplined even at a young age, Geneva refused to marry until she completed high school. Soon after graduating, she and Robert married and began their family, welcoming their daughter Cathey, followed by their son Paul.

Geneva and Robert raised their family in Michigan, where she became known for her strong work ethic, sharp wit, and steadfast devotion to her home and family. After the passing of her husband Robert, Geneva returned to Tennessee and settled into the home they had designed together.

A natural builder and caretaker, Geneva constructed three homes throughout her life: a cabin in Luzerne, Michigan; a home in South Lyon, Michigan; and her cherished haven in Rockwood, Tennessee, overlooking the Tennessee River. Often seen with her chainsaw or leaf blower in hand she found joy in maintaining her property, nurturing her flower gardens, and collecting rocks-simple pleasures that reflected her deep connection to nature.

After moving back to Tennessee, Geneva was introduced to her late in life partner, Ron Kaiser. Geneva and Ron often spent their days working diligently on their homestead and enjoying the views of the water from their porch swing.

Geneva was a lover of music, books and film. She would often be found reading true crime novels, watching Clint Eastwood movies, or seen dancing to Queen or Adam Lambert. In her 80’s she even attended an Adam Lambert concert where we were told she was the loudest fan in the audience.

A kidney cancer survivor, earlier in life, Geneva faced life’s challenges with the same strength and determination that defined her every day. Those who knew her often described her as one of the hardest working women they had ever met. Geneva’s life was a story of independence, selflessness and strength. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the homes she built, and the enduring example she set for all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving children, Cathey Rose and Paul (Barbara) Hauswirth; her grandchildren, Aaron Taras, Levi (Kathryn) Taras, and Natalie (Koleton) Strauss; and her great-grandchild and namesake, Geneva Taras.

The family plans to host a private celebration of life at a later date. Donations can be made in her honor to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.