Jean Relph
December 13, 2010
Jean Relph, 67, went to be with our Lord, December 13, 2010. She was born March 8, 1943, to Hazel and Robert George Wolkenhauer in Des Moines, IA. She attended East High School, and later received her GED from DMACC.
Jean worked at Briarcliff Retirement home in Altoona, retiring in 2004. She spent the rest of her following years being her crafty self, always crocheting, cross-stitching, and painting, as well as reading, which she found great joy in doing. Jean always had her Bible under her pillow or right by her side, taking notes on scriptures. The last years of her life were spent on taking care of her “miracle” grandchild, Hannah Huffaker. More importantly, she spent her final years loving all of her grandkids, spending time with family, and loving all of her animals. Jean enjoyed spending time with her longtime friends – Betty, Darlene, Kathy, Beth, Stephanie and Charlene, whether it be on the phone or in person.
Jean’s laugh was so full of joy and could be heard miles away. Her laugh was contagious and everyone loved her so much.
Jean is survived by her children, Vickie (Vernie) Hart of Madrid, Joseph (Becky) Heather III of Mitchellville, and Roxanne (Michael) Huffaker of Baxter; grandchildren, Amy Heather of Newton, Felecia Hart of Madrid, Robert Heather of Bondurant, Tiffany Majava of Peoria, IL, and Hannah “Jean” Huffaker of Baxter; great-grandchildren, David Cross, Jr. and Kaylee Cross, both of Newton; as well as her sisters, Dorothy Day, and Lynda Morris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Relph; parents; brother, Marshall Albright; and a sister, Nina Hoskins.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2010, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, with burial to follow at Bondurant Cemetery. Family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Jean Relph.
Online condolences may be made to www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.
Janice (Hull) Gaytan
12/17/2010
Sorry to read of your loss. Aunt Jean held a special place in my heart. Janice & Raul & Family
Jennifer Peters
12/16/2010
I am so sorry to hear of Jean's passing.
I wish I had know earlier so I could have gone to the visitation.
She was such a joy to around, we worked togather at Briarcliff and she made going to work each day a fun adventure.
I wish I had kept in touch after her retirement but she was always in my heart and I will remember her fondly and with a smile. She did have the most wonderful laugh.........
Kristin & Larry Peters
12/17/2010
Roxanne,
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish i could be there in this dark time of you life, even though I'm not physically there, our prayers and sympothy go out to you and your family. Your mothere was wonderful and fun loving. She will be dearly missed by lots of people. Stay stong and we are thinking of you always.
Love,
Kristin & Larry
Melissa (McKenzie) Walker
12/17/2010
Please know that we are praying for you as you go through this difficult time.
Melissa
Becky (Kent) Flowers
12/16/2010
Growing up in the neighborhood with you gave me the chance to get to know your mom. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I pray that you will find comfort in this hard time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know this will be a very difficult time. You truly will have an angel watching over you!
Jodi Trebon Nash
12/16/2010
I'm sorry for your loss Roxy!! My prayers to you and yours!!
Steve Ugolini
12/16/2010
Roxy,
I was shocked and sadden to hear about your mom. I know She will always be with you because of your joyful laugh I have heard so many times.
Jeans laugh was so full of joy and could be heard miles away.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brandon Winn
12/16/2010
Roxanne, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts tomorrow as you are celebrating the life of your mother. If you ever need anything we are all here for ya! Again my thoughts are with you. Brandon
Amy Williams
12/16/2010
Our hearts go out to your Family. May you all find some comfort knowing she was such a great person and at some point in most of our lives we all called her "Mom" for one reason or another. Love and Hugs,
Amy (Freddy) Williams
Mark Zmolek Ihla Farrell Betty Lundy
12/15/2010
Roxy,
So sorry to hear about your Mother. I am sure she was a lovely caring person like her Daughter.Thinking of you, and my deepest sympathys to you and your family.
Mark
Lois Shivers
12/15/2010
There is nothing like a Mother/Daughter relationship. Roxy, I know you loved your Mom deeply and that is why the pain of loss will be huge as well. I want so bad to take the pain from you, but there is no way. Take the time to truly grieve. Your Mom will be rewarded for her faithfulness and that will bring you comfort - but it doesn't replace the empty hole in your life that she once filled. Oh Roxy, if you need anything, PLEASE let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen Routh
12/15/2010
My heart goes out to you Roxy and to your family. You now have two angels watching over you. Hugs!
Shawnna McMains
12/15/2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to you right now....there are no words to make this pain you are feeling right now go away, Just lean on your family and friends and know there are many of us thinking of you.
Becky Maxwell
12/15/2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I know how hard it is to lose a family member and all the shock and disblief that follows. I work with Roxy and I met her mom once, she was very sweet lady. I know Roxy was very close to her mom and talked about her often to me. Take comfort in knowing Jean is at peace and in heaven watching over all of you.
Take Care,
Becky Maxwell
Julie Yatchak
12/14/2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. She will truly be missed by so many of us who grew up with her being like second mother.