- Date Of Birth: August 21, 1943
- Date Of Death: September 21, 2021
- State: Iowa
Jeanne was born on August 21, 1943, along with her twin brother Jon, to Ruth and Everett Adams. Jeanne was a lifelong resident of Runnells, living her adult life in the house she built with her high school sweetheart and husband of 58 years, Gary. Jeanne attended Runnells Schools graduating with the class of 1961 serving as Homecoming Queen, along with future husband Gary as King. The couple raised four children and were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Jeanne was a beautician in the early years of her career before staying at home to raise her children, prior to returning to the workforce to run the Polk County Senior Center in Runnells for 25 years. Running the senior center was more than just a job for Jeanne as she embraced the position with a passion that is hard to put into words.
Jeanne was an active member of the Runnells Christian Church, where her strong faith was nurtured, allowing her to be at peace well before the end of her life.
She was a loving wife who truly lived her vows: in good times and bad, in sickness and in health leading to a marriage withstanding the test of time.
Jeanne was the best mother a kid could ask for, providing love, nurturing, and support while teaching the tough lessons that grow in appreciation by her children as time goes on.
Jeanne was a beloved Grandma giving herself the moniker “Grandma Cop” and will always be fondly remembered for her epic Easter egg hunts, especially the empty eggs (which left the little ones confused), Sunday dinners of homemade chicken and noodles, and fried chicken; which has often been replicated, but never duplicated by her children no matter how hard they try.
Jeanne was an amazing woman with deep convictions which guided her throughout her life. She was affectionately referred to as ”Justice Jeanne” by her family for her ability to take tough stances on issues and fight for what she believed was right. She could often be found at the kitchen table penning a “letter to the editor” on her yellow legal pad or walking around her house with the 100 ft telephone cord stumping for her favorite local political candidate. She did the little things that make the big differences in small communities and her legacy will live on well past her natural life.
Jeanne was an avid bridge player enjoying the fellowship of the “bridge ladies” and a voracious reader; she also took enjoyment in extended conversations with friends.
She was always quick with a laugh, especially at her own expense, which will echo on forever in those who have had the privilege to experience it. While she will be missed greatly, we are all lucky to have had a lifetime of her grace and will continue on with her teachings within all of us.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her father, Everett Adams; mother, Ruth Adams; brothers, Jon and Charles; and dear lifelong friend, Bob Hershey.
Jeanne is survived by husband, Gary; children, Jodi Nicolet (Brian), Kris Overton (Dave), Pam Nicloet (Brent) and Ryan Beck (Tracy); grandchildren, Vicky (Austin), Hailey, Alec (Kelsey), Bryson, Amia, Zach, Keegan, Sami, McKenna and Sam, and great grandchild, Noah; siblings, Carolyn Bowers (Billy), Jerry and Jim Adams and Doug McCormick; and dear lifelong friend, and cousin Sally Hershey, along with other lifelong friends left behind.
