Jean Mcelheney

Jean McElheney, 89, of Rippey died Sunday, December 19, while in hospice care, with family at her bedside. Jean was born March 25, 1921, to Charles and Elizabeth McKelvey and graduated from Rippey High School. In 1941 she married Charles "Jack" McElheney and lived her entire life in Rippey, where she was a grain and dairy farmer. She was well-known locally for her artistry as a painter, quilter, seamstress and teddy bear maker. She was an avid reader, enjoyed participating in politics, grew beautiful flower gardens, loved animals, and had a keen appreciation of the natural world. At retirement she began her adventures as a world traveler. Jean is survived by her daughters and sons-in law: Phyllis and Larry Lepke, Story City; Marilyn and Mike Quinn, Wilson, WY; Karilyn and John Brodell, Jackson, WY; her grandsons, Matthew Lepke, Columbia, MO, and Cooper Quinn, Vancouver, B.C.; her brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Vanita McKelvey of Jefferson; sister Rose Marie Hassemer of Perry; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband. Memorial contributions may be designated to the Rippey United Methodist Church or to Friends of Rippey to be directed to the library or bike trail funds. Let us tell you about Mom: Mom was born Jean McKelvey on March 25, 1921, and grew up on a Rippey farm, where she enjoyed riding her horse bareback into the timber to discover nature's wonders. She was a beautiful young woman, taking the titles of Rippey High School Queen, Miss Rippey and Miss Greene County. But what people who knew her most often mentioned was her friendliness and smile. Like so many women who lived through the Depression, Mom could do most anything, no matter how hard the work. She could pull a calf, climb to the top of the grain bin, chase an old sow, patch binder canvas, or cook for a baling crew. Her very special qualities were artistic. Our dolls never lacked for beautiful gowns and she made our own clothes, too. Her lovely quiltsoften featuring wildflowers or birdsare treasured heirlooms, as are her paintings. Largely self-taught, Mom mastered oil painting and the difficult medium of watercolor. Her one-of-a-kind handmade teddy bears were contributed to her church, so that the sales proceeds could benefit church programs. We were proud to see Mom's talents recognized in local art shows and her Rippey teddy bear show. Lucky you if you own one of Jean's bears! Mom could be counted on to help in her community. She founded and led a girls' 4-H club; she was often the oldest attendee at her political caucus; she helped at church events; and she supported Rippey's latest library and bike trail fundraising efforts. Her friends included people of many different ages and her entourage was made up of farm cats (known as "the bums"). Mom's sense of adventure never left her. In her last years, she was excited to see her first manatee in Florida and her first javelina in Arizona. She never shied away from trying new food in exotic locations like China, Kenya, Scotland or Australia's Outback, as she traveled the world. We three learned to love reading and to be inquisitive about nature's gifts and faraway places. Mom told us that she was proud to know that her daughters, sons-in-law and grandsons all graduated from college. During hospice care, we spent many good days with Mom remembering and reliving special family times. We hope her friends and family members will pause during this holiday season to recall their own pleasure at knowing Jean. Sincerely, Phyllis, Marilyn and Karilyn