Jean Gillaspey
October 22, 2017
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Service Details
Jean LaVonne (Floyd) Gillaspey, 96, passed away on October 22, 2017. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, October 30, 2017, in the Chapel at Wesley Acres. Interment will be at a later date.
Jean was born on a farm near Vinton, Iowa on April 26, 1921. She graduated as valedictorian from Vinton High School and earned a degree in business management from AIB with an emphasis in court reporting. She served with the first women’s group in Iowa in WAAC/WAC during World War II. In her professional life, she was a teacher, court reporter and general office worker as well as a jack of all trades.
In 1948, she married Robert (Bob) L. Gillaspey (deceased). She is survived by three sons; John, Dean (Mary) and Paul (Claire); five grandchildren; Josh, Beth, Daniel (Andrea), Emily (Jacob) and Adam (Kenzie); and three great-grandchildren; Aiden, Olivia and Rebekah. While the boys were growing up, Jean was a stay-at-home mom, busy volunteer and chauffeur. After her nest was empty, she worked full-time for Allied Insurance until her retirement.
Jean and Bob enjoyed playing bridge, traveling and attending grandchildren’s activities. Jean was a 60+ year member of First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women and spent more than 25 years in the nursery on Sunday mornings. She took great pride in knitting more than 100 shawls for the prayer shawl ministry and in establishing a card ministry at the church.
The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff of the Austin Center for all the love and care they gave Jean. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Iowa Chapter or the First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Randy Linn
10/29/2017
There are so many great memories I have of Jean. Her son Paul and I were the best of friends through High School and Jean and her husband Bob were like second parents to me. In fact, I would call Jean "Mom #2". She treated me just like one of her own sons. I loved Jean for her kindness, strength and intelligence. If I needed to know something, Jean always had the answer. Thank You Jean for all you did for me in my life and for making the world a better place. And to John, Dean and Paul, my sympathies to you and your families. Your mother will be missed.
Cathy Darlington Cate
10/27/2017
I wish I had known your mother, John. She has a proud history of service and loving her family. Your family has been blessed to have her for this many years.
Harlan Gillespie
10/27/2017
I had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with Jean at the Conference Center. We compared last names and other stories. By the grace of God, may you remember her in such a way that you will receive comfort and courage. Blessings.
Sandy Denning
10/27/2017
I knew Jean at Allied for many years and enjoyed our lunchtime discussions. She was a good friend to me. My sympathy to the family.
Deb Van Dusseldorp
10/27/2017
Being a youngster starting their first job at Allied Insurance, I first meet Jean. She was a very warm friendly kind person.
I really enjoyed visiting with her anytime I would run into her at work.
What a great lady.
Ruth Courter
10/25/2017
Jean made us feel very welcome when we joined First United Methodist Church! She gave lots of support and caring!
Wanda and Harold Swanson
10/25/2017
Jean was a very special person and a good friend. For almost 20 years, while we were publishing "The Light" for First United Methodist Church, she was a meticulous proof reader! I don't think she ever missed an error or made a mistake, and that was much appreciated!
Besides that, Jean was a wonderful and caring friend. We have missed her since we moved away from Des Moines. We send our sympathy to her beloved family.