Jean Harrier
February 11, 2012
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Service Details
Jean A. Harrier, 54, was called home Saturday February 11, 2012. After a long battle with health challenges, she died unexpectedly in her sleep at home in Des Moines. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2012 at First Church of God, 4201 E. Douglas.
Jean was born April 27, 1957, in Des Moines, to James Edwards and Patricia (Howard) Coon. She attended Indianola High School. Jean received her GED a few years later. Jean married Richard Benge in 1976. She traveled the world with Richard while he was in the Army, spending many years in Germany where her daughter, Angela, was born, and also Washington where her sons, Jason and Steven were born. In 1985, they were divorced and Jean raised her three children on her own.
Jean worked in the food service business for over 20 years. Her employers included Simpson College and, her favorite, Fountain West. Jean remarried in August 2009 to Steven Michael “Mike” Harrier, after a longtime relationship of 18 years. After many years of pain, she was no longer able to work. She was currently on disability. She had surgery on Monday, February 5, and had just returned home from the hospital.
Jean’s love, foremost, were her grandchildren, Noah, Allison, Tyler, Bailey (just recently born,) Nathan, Shiane, and Devin. She loved spending time with them all. Jean was so excited about having another granddaughter. Another one of Jean’s loves was her dog, Daisy. They were inseparable. The newest dog-member was Khloe.
Her second passions were her flowers and birds. In spite of her many physical challenges, she looked forward every year to planting a huge vegetable garden along with flowers and putting up lots of bird houses. Once she finished with hers, she would help other people plant theirs. She loved being outside. Camping, fishing, and boating were fun pastimes for her. She also loved doing ceramics, but due to health, had to stop a year ago.
Jean is survived by her children, Jason Benge of Des Moines, Angela Perez of Des Moines, and Steven Benge of Hinesville, GA; seven grandchildren; her mother, Patricia E. Howard; and her siblings, James M. Coon of Newton, Debra (Coon) Hines of Clive, Richard Howard of Creston, and Leslie Turner of Creston.
Jean will always be remembered for her kind heart. She was always doing things for other people. She enjoyed helping others so much. You knew you could always count on her to help if you needed anything. We all will miss her dearly.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
shiane
02/25/2020
this is my grandma and i can't believe she won't get to watch me graduate and walk down the aisle when i get married she died when i was 8 years old i didn't get to say goodbye miss you everyday grandma and just know i favorite you more sineserly your granddaughter shiane
Debbie
02/29/2012
Thank you all so much for your kind words. It is still so hard to adjust to her being gone. I know she is in heaven. I will miss my sister and my best friend. I love you Jean so much. You will always be in my heart.
Linda Luger
02/16/2012
Although time and physical distance separated us, I always felt a closeness to Jean and enjoyed visiting with her on my trips back to Iowa from California. I was most struck by Jean's kindness and willingness to help others in spite of her physical challenges in recent years. She was always a positive person and never surrendered to her challenges. I could sense how she enjoyed her work, again providing for others, in the food service industry. A few years ago on a trip home I attended an open house where she was one of the chefs in a new assisted living development. It was the first time I'd seen her on the job and she looked so proud and happy to provide this service. I was proud of her as well.
I was so saddened to hear of her death and hope that she will be remembered by those whose lives she touched as a caring and good person.
My sympathies to Angie, especially, who was always at her mother's side, and to to my aunt Pat (her mother), and to her other children, siblings, and grandchildren.
There's a star up there Jean, just for you.
Linda Luger
GreatAunt Alice & GUncle Henry
02/15/2012
Angie, Jason and Steven,
You are in our prayers, Its always hard to lose a love one.
Remember the can't take your memories, they will always be with you.
See you this spring
love to all
rex ross
02/15/2012
I WORKED WITH JEAN AT FOUNTAIN WEST, WE GOT ALONG GREAT, EVEN THOUGH SHE WENT ON DO WORK AT OTHER PLACES, I ENJOYED WORKING WITH JEAN, SHE DID A GREAT JOB AT FOUNTAIN WEST. MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY MAY THE LORD BE WITH THEM DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW. THE LORD WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR THE FAMILY.
Kris/Mercy East Peds
02/13/2012
Angie Noah & Ali My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to you and your family with the loss of your mother/grma. You were very blessed to have her, cherish those moments. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. We're here for you. Kris/Mercy East Peds.