Jeanne Doughten

Frances Jeanne Doughten, 97, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 at MercyOne Hospice House in Johnston, Iowa.

Jeanne was born to Gladys “Marie” Fort Cady on October 27, 1922 in Red Oak, Iowa and was the first arrival among many beloved brothers and sisters. Jeanne’s family grew to include her “mom” Gladys Mae (Keim) Fort, who took Jeanne in as a teenager, nurtured and mentored her as one of her own. Jeanne’s new home included five special cousins who were like brothers and sisters to her, and she cherished them. Jeanne graduated from Red Oak High School in 1941.

After being introduced through family members, copious letters exchanged and dreams for the future confided, Jeanne was wed to her beloved husband William “Bill” Doughten on May 17, 1942 by a Justice of the Peace in Atchison County, Missouri. Just a few days later, they were on their way to Scott Field for Bill’s first commission in the United States Army Air Corps. The following year in May 1943, their firstborn daughter Bonnie graced Jeanne’s life, but before Bonnie was even six months old, Bill was called to serve overseas for the next two years in WWII. Many letters traversed the globe between Jeanne and Bill, as they expressed their love for one another, and dreams of raising their family together.

Bill returned home to Jeanne and Bonnie in Red Oak, Iowa after the war in the summer of 1945. They lived briefly in Washington DC, while Bill worked at the Pentagon, then moved to Webster City, Iowa. It was there in May 1949 the happy couple welcomed a second daughter, Gwynne, to complete the family. After a few more moves, the Doughten’s moved to Ankeny, IA where Bill and Jeanne opened Doughten Auto Supply, a successful auto parts store in Uptown. Bill ran the store while Jeanne worked from home as bookkeeper and homemaker extraordinaire. They lived on “the highway” for a few years, moved to Fehn Drive until their nest was empty, then moved to their final home in Ankeny in 1972.

Jeanne built a strong family through her example of hard work and deep love, while emphasizing the importance of having fun along the way. Bonnie and Gwynne grew up in the safe haven of Bill and Jeanne’s love and care, and witnessed their example of commitment. Jeanne was a homemaker, bookkeeper for Doughten Auto Supply, and later for Teater’s Auto Supply until her retirement in 1989 after 37 years of bookkeeping. Throughout this time and beyond, Jeanne was also bookkeeper for Gwynne and son-in-law Bill’s ministry and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Jeanne and Bill Doughten were silent supports for so many family members and friends in the community. The positive impact that the two of them made in the lives of others is evidenced in abundant stories and memories from many people. In our own family memories we recall Jeanne sewing doll clothes, crocheting baby blankets and embroidering tea towels for family and friends. In later years, when all the grandchildren were grown, she crocheted and donated countless blankets, hats and scarves to charities serving those in need.

Jeanne dedicated her life to giving and making wonderful memories with the people she loved. One of the many ways Jeanne built lasting memories was through her love of baking cakes. Jeanne baked and decorated over 500 cakes to the sheer delight of each recipient. The centerpiece of every birthday, anniversary, holiday and special occasion was a cake baked and hand decorated by Jeanne, with flowers, cursive lettering and charming themes based on the current interests of the person being celebrated.

Jeanne was an avid and masterful letter writer. Family members and friends alike were delighted to open their mailboxes and find a letter from Jeanne. She wrote at least 350 letters and over 120 birthday and anniversary cards per year. The last letter you received from Jeanne in December of any year likely mentioned how many letters she had written that year.

Each of Jeanne's grandchildren were blessed to be able to spend considerable time at Grandma’s house. From weeks in the summer, to special times around holidays and extended times during college, Jeanne had open arms and open doors for her grandkids from their earliest years through her last days.

Jeanne Doughten was a woman of graceful determination and faith. She lived her life fully in service to others and her Lord. She was fiercely independent, living on her own and managing her own affairs until her passing. Jeanne was forever an example of faith, praying for all with never-failing consistency. She was selfless, always putting the needs of others before her own.

She was preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Doughten; daughter Bonnie Pence; mother Gladys Marie (Fort) Nichols; brother Charles “Sonny” Nichols and wife Norma; brothers James Nichols, Richard Nichols and Jerry Nichols; sister Lois Nichols; sister Wanda Squires and husband Freeman; sister Ellen “Juanita” Alm and husband Darwin; brothers-in-law Jim Mastin and Richard Collins; “Mom” Gladys Mae (Keim) Fort; “brother” and special cousin William “Bill” Fort and wife Doris; “brother” and special cousin Jack Fort; “sister” and special cousin Betty Crowe and husband Jim; “sister” and special cousin Joyce Gesiriech; brother-in-law Basil “Pat” Doughten and wife Phyllis; sister-in-law Eleanor Svenson and husband John; sister-in-law Bonnie Sturtz and husband Loren “Ole”; and sister-in-law Audrey Batcheller.

She is survived by her daughter Gwynne Burke and husband Bill of Ankeny, IA; son-in-law Arlen Pence of Waukee, IA; granddaughter Courtney Long and husband Gerrit of Boone, IA; grandson Derek Benz and wife Julia of Atlanta, GA; grandson Joshua Burke and wife Amy of Waukee, IA; great-grandchildren Bryanna Kirk and husband Gerald, Gabrielle Long, Caleb Burke and Noah Benz; sisters Karen Mastin of Centerville, IA and Louise Collins of Melcher Dallas, IA; brother Robert Nichols of Oskaloosa, IA; sisters-in-law Jean Nichols of Emmett, ID, Ok-ja Nichols of Enterprise, AL, and Juanita Nichols of Centerville, IA; “sister” and special cousin Mary Carlson of Blue Springs, MO; “sister-in-law” Dolores Fort of Red Oak, IA; “brother-in-law” Rollin Gesiriech of Urbandale, IA; brother-in-law Merlyn Batcheller of Centennial, CO; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and wonderful neighbors, Tanner and Emily Archer and their children, Jayda, Nadia, and Titus.

We know that heaven has welcomed her with rejoicing, and though we will miss her, her positive legacy in each of our lives will live on.

Jeanne requested a family-only graveside committal service and interment of ashes in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa which will be held at a later date once the current pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Honoring her concept of family, we welcome anyone who knew her to attend if they so desire and are able. If you knew her, you knew you were family. Memorials may be directed to family for later distribution.

Print