The Superior Express -

Jean Crouse, daughter of Clay Davenport and Lela (Hazen) Davenport, was born at home in Chester, Nebraska, on April 12, 1935, along with twin sister, Joan. Jean died at the age of 88 on Jan. 29, 2024, in Salina, Kansas.

Jean first attended rural school near Chester, and later attended Chester Public School, graduating in 1952. After high school, Jean studied teachers training 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. She enjoyed working with children. 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, which continued for many years. Jean also liked to draw, paint and grow orchids. She used her interests to engage and befriend other people her whole life. She enjoyed holding women's Bible studies after retirement.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Glenn and Melvin; infant son, Larry; and husband, Wilbert.

She will be missed by 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; grandchildren: Jeff Singer (Stephanie), Jenny Germann (Evan), Ben Singer (Andrea); Melodee Webb (Kyle), Matt Crouse (Annie); Ryan Crouse (Kailey), Nicole Orell (Zach), Kyle Crouse (Andrea); Jordan Crouse, Taylor Miller (Matthew); Mellissa Flores, Elizabeth Wright(David); Great Grandchildren: Juliana, Levi and Isabella Webb; Madilynn and Samuel Crouse; Charlie and Oliver Singer; Matilda and Thatcher Germann; Lincoln and Cohen Crouse; August and Jude Crouse; Parker Orell; Josh, Sonia, Rebekah and Elija Flores; Chester and Scarlett Wright.

Her funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday Feb. 24, 2024, at Belleville Wesleyan Church, Belleville, Kansas, conducted by Pastor Mark McGregor. Following the funeral, the family will receive and greet friends in the church basement. Previous interment for family will be in Chester Cemetery.

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

Online condolences and information at http://www.bachelor-surber.com .

Memorials are suggested to the Belleville Wesleyan Church or The Gideons International.

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, is assisting the family with the arrangements.