Florence Jean McClatchey

Florence Jean McClatchey died February 13, 2016 at Edgewater Hospice in West Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by her family. Her husband Rollie passed 8 days following on February 21, 2016. A joint memorial service for the couple will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. followed by an open house until 3 p.m. at Wesley Acres in the Chamberlain House, 3520 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa.

Jean was born in Omaha on January 19, 1921 to Ed and Jessie Miller but lived most of her life in Des Moines. As a child, she loved taking dance classes in tap, ballet and pointe from nationally-known teacher Rose Lorenz. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1939 and attended AIB.

Jean met Rollie McClatchey on a blind date and they were married in 1941. Early in their marriage, Jean worked at various secretarial jobs. They raised a son, Denny, and a daughter, Deb. When the children were young, Jean was a stay-at-home mom and was very involved in the children’s activities including Cub Scout den mother and Camp Fire Girl leader. Jean enjoyed creative hobbies including sewing, knitting and decorating. She left her artistic mark on every home in which they lived.

Jean was a devoted mother and grandmother. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she enjoyed hosting big family gatherings. She was a great cook and her banana oatmeal cookies were a family favorite. Jean was an intelligent, insightful lady with a good sense of humor. She was always impeccably dressed, expressing herself through her stylish wardrobe and turquoise jewelry. She loved animals and nurtured many family pets throughout her life.

Religion was very important to her. Jean and Rollie attended retreats through Partners in Prayer. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of Des Moines Women’s Club. Jean and Rollie enjoyed their circle of friends at church and played bridge every Saturday night. Jean was playing bridge into her nineties.

Jean was a secretary in the Iowa Legislature from 1969 to 1992. She was interested in politics and kept current with events. Jean loved fine arts and encouraged her children’s creative pursuits. Over the years she held season tickets to the Des Moines Community Playhouse and Des Moines Symphony. Jean and Rollie enjoyed 74 years of marriage and traveled to places including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii, Africa and Europe. Her favorite trip was to Africa where they enjoyed the beauty of the wildlife in the company of friends.

Jean is survived by her children, Denny (Margaret) and Deb (Jeff) Ames; four grandchildren, Christopher (Misti), Jonathan, Valerie (Christian Garcia) Ames, and Scott Ames; one great-grandchild, Rollie; and her sister, Shirley (Lester) Hickman; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Jack (Jean) Miller.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church, 1001 Pleasant St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print