Geneva Mae Cranford, 88, of Salinas, California passed away July 25, 2011.
She was born June 8, 1923 in Chandler, Oklahoma
to Phillip and Tessie Ausmus. She married Douglas Cranford of Salinas in 1941.
She earned her private pilot certificate in 1961 at the Salinas Airport.
In 1965, she helped charter the Monterey Bay Chapter.
In 1966 she had one of her biggest thrills in flying as co-pilot in the Powder Puff Derby with Helen Shropshire in Helen’s Comanche 180. She once again flew as co-pilot with Jo Dieser in the final Powder Puff Derby race in 1976.
Her creative talents led her to design and build a portable
concession booth for The 99s to use at air shows and various
activities, a model of which can be found in the front windows of the Headquarters building.
She was adventurous and led 24 Ninety-Nines on a climb of
Amelia Earhart Peak in 1987 to commemorate the 50th year anniversary of Amelia’s last flight. On her 80th birthday she skydived for the first time — in a gold lamé jumpsuit that she designed and made herself. In Geneva’s own words, “If I think of something,I’m going to do it.” And, she did!

The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.


Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots, the members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today. And, to quote Amelia Earhart fly “for the fun of it!”

http://www.ninety-nines.org