Jean Crouse, 88, daughter of Clay Davenport and Lela (Hazen) Davenport, was born at home in Chester on April 12, 1935, along with twin sister Joan. Jean died Jan. 29, in Salina.

       Jean first attended rural school near Chester and later attended Chester Public School, graduating in 1952. After high school, Jean studied at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma for one year. She then taught at a rural school for a year before she and Wilbert Crouse were united in marriage on Aug. 15, 1954, in Chester. Seven children were born to this union. Jean was a devoted wife and mother. She put her faith in Jesus Christ as her personal savior at a young age. Jean lived out her faith in her relationships and interactions with others. She was active in her church, serving as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Jean spent the children’s youth at home playing with them and encouraging their varied interests, such as when she became a 4-H leader to ensure that her son was able to study electronics.

       Later when her children were older, Jean worked as a secretary at Chester-Hubbell-Byron Schools. Jean also taught computer classes to interested community members when home computers were new. After retiring from the school, Jean took up several hobbies in her 70s, photography being one of her favorites. She started submitting photos of people and events to the local newspaper. Soon, her photos were printed in several newspapers including The Superior Express. Jean also liked to draw, paint and grow orchids.

        Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Glenn and Melvin; infant son, Larry; and husband, Wilbert. Survivors include her daughter, Sally Singer (Kevin), Mountville, Pennsylvania; son Warren (Cheryl), Auburn, Nebraska; son Lynn (Marilyn), Hutchinson, Kansas; son Philip (Amy), Salina, Kansas; son Jim, Houston, Texas; son David (Dawn), Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.

       Her funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Belleville Wesleyan Church, conducted by Pastor Mark McGregor.

        Friends may call from 1 until 6 p.m. Friday, Feb 23, at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville.