John W. Lambert and Genevieve “Jenny” S. Lambert, surrounded by their family, passed away at their home, eight hours apart on Jan. 24, 2021, sharing a deep love for one another in a marriage spanning nearly seven decades. All who knew them witnessed the beauty of their deep and abiding love for one another and the example of true love and devotion. Their love is truly for the ages.
They were two people who truly became one when they exchanged wedding vows. They did nearly everything together. They enjoyed many things, including gardening, sharing fruit and vegetables with family and friends and playing board games, cards and lawn games with their friends and family. They were avid WVU sports fans, having season tickets for over 40 years. No matter the weather, you would find John and Jenny in their seats proudly wearing their Mountaineer gear.
This love story began when the two met at West Virginia Business College. John was a Korean War Veteran. After serving his country, he was employed with Sterling Faucet/Kohler and retired after 37 years. Jenny was employed at WVU and retired after many years of employment. John lived in Morgantown for over
75 years and Jenny was a life long resident of
Morgantown.
Both were actively involved in Wesley United Methodist Church, where they married. Raising their children in the church, John, from his early years of membership, served as an usher. Jenny was involved at Wesley in the women’s groups and committees. Later, they were active with the Youth Ministry, Jenny prepared food for the youth and John helped to serve and support the ministry. After retirement, John became an active member of the Kiwanis Club, selling Christmas trees and raising money for local programs. Growing-up during the Depression, they never forgot those in need and gave generously to ease others’ burdens. There have been many small acts of kindness over the years that are a tribute to their deep love for life.
Their living was for one another; they were soulmates and life long companions, with unimaginable devotion and love of family, raising their children, caring for aging family and sharing time with their grandchildren, brothers, sisters and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. They delighted in family and family gatherings. They hosted backyard picnics for family, friends and co-workers.
After a lifetime of good health, they both became ill and entered the hospital eight hours apart. Throughout their hospitalization, they shared a single prayer, to be able to return home, to all that was familiar and comforting and to continue to get back to their life together. With the support of their family and WV Caring, John and Jenny returned home. Selflessly, they were more concerned about the other than their own health.
Their arrival home gave witness to the deep love they shared. Their family was blessed to be able to care for them during their final days. Many prayers and wishes for healing were sent from around the country. John and Jenny asked about each other throughout this journey, each time reminding family to tell the other that they loved them. Their love and caring about one another was the first thing each asked when they awoke and the last thing they said before returning to sleep. They shared many beautiful memories and laughter, talking about their brothers, sisters, families and friends.
Although our selfish hearts are broken, we are grateful for the life lessons learned from their grace. John and Jenny had their prayer answered and spent their final days together with their loved ones at home.
They are survived by a daughter, Cathy Lambert Milton and their son-in-law Richard Milton; a son, John W. Lambert Jr; a grandson, Richard John Milton; and a granddaughter, Jordyn Elizabeth Milton.
In addition, John is survived by a sister-in-law, Idelta Rebecca Lambert, and a cousin, Jack Bowman. In addition, Genevieve “Jenny” is survived by a sister, Mary Kay Morris, and a brother, Steve Sanetrik and sister-in-law Carolyn Sanetrik. They are also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. They are preceded in death by their parents, Roy W. and Edith Lambert and Steve and Jane Sanetrik; aunts, Myrtle and Verdie Phares; a sister, Christabelle Lambert Poore; brothers, Roy Keith Lambert, Robert Kee Lambert and Harold “Jim” Lambert; sisters-in-law, Ina Belle (Harold) Lambert and Shirley Ann (Robert) Lambert; and brothers-in-law, Percival (Christabelle) Poore and Minor Jack (Mary Kay) Morris.
They were united in marriage in a double ring ceremony and departed from their earthly life in a special service. Chaplain Dennis Linsin presided in a private funeral at Hastings Funeral Home. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Westover Post 9916 and Camp Dawson Active Duty Reservists presented military honors at East Oak Grove
Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family, in keeping with John and Jenny’s desire to help others, ask for donations to WV Caring P.O. Box 760 Arthurdale, a non-profit Hospice foundation serving individuals and their families in West Virginia for over 40 years.
Truly angels among us.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
