Jean Lee Pillers

Jean Lee Pillers, nee: Cunningham, passed away June 30, 2022 in Altoona, IA. Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 14 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA.

Jean was born August 27, 1933 to Harold and G. Winifred Jones Cunningham in Des Moines. Jean graduated from Roosevelt High School and later from Drake University earning BSE and MSE degrees. Jean was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Theta social sorority. At one time she was a member of PEO, Eastern Star and Tri Kappa. In October 1953, she married her best friend Martin L. (Marty) Pillers. There were no children. They lived a short time in Indiana but mainly in West Des Moines and Wyoming (summers). Jean was a longtime Guidance Counselor in the Des Moines schools and retired after 30 years of service touching many lives during that time. Upon her retirement, she and Marty spent and enjoyed more time living in Wyoming and traveling the Northwestern states. In the early days in Wyoming she and Marty spent much time backpacking the back country in the Tetons and Wind river Mountain Ranges as well as enjoying skiing during Spring and Christmas breaks. She became involved in gardening and photography. She won numerous awards in county and state fairs. Jean was a big supporter of animal rights. Jean never met a dog she didn’t love or a dog that didn’t love her.

Jean is survived by cousins in Iowa and surrounding states and her extended family of close friends who were loved as her immediate family. Her husband Marty preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Animal Rescue League, 5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines IA 50313. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Jean always felt, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

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