Mary Jean “Jeanne” Walterscheid, 87, died November 7, 2023, at Medicalodge Midland.
She was born on November 25, 1935, in Coffeyville, Kan., the second daughter of Geraldine (Thornbrugh) and L.P. James “Jim” Walterscheid.
Jeanne was known in her childhood neighborhood as quite the “handy girl,” helping neighbors with various household projects, repairs, and lawn/garden projects.
She was a lifetime member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Coffeyville, involved with various activities including the church Altar Society.
Jeanne graduated from Holy Name Catholic School in 1949, Roosevelt Junior High in 1950, and Field Kindley High School in 1953, where she was a member of the band, honor society, and Girls Drum and Bugle Corps (tenor drum). She journeyed to Lawrence, Kan., and graduated in 1957 from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. In 1971, she graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Education from the Kansas State College of Pittsburg (Pittsburg State Univ.) Her teaching career included Topeka and Salina, Kan., where she taught Physical Education at both local high schools.
In the 1970s, Jeanne returned to Coffeyville and began employment at her family’s business, Isham TruValue Hardware, where she shared her knowledge of tools, plumbing, paint, nuts, bolts, pipe, pipe fittings, household goods, and lawn/garden equipment. She enjoyed serving customers, and the challenge of providing solutions to their needs. Knowing problems happen when least expected, Jeanne was quick to answer the phone after hours with an ever-faithful reply, “Meet me at Isham’s in 10 minutes, and let’s see what I can do to help.” Jeanne worked at Isham’s for 50+ years.
Jeanne and her two sisters, Jane Ellen “Dinger” Catone, and Jerry Ann Liebert, acquired partial ownership of Isham TruValue Hardware Store (the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi River and the oldest retail business in Coffeyville since 1870) through their deceased father’s estate. The three sisters obtained full ownership in 1995. Jeanne was an integral part of the business and served as President until the time of her death. Isham’s was truly the love of her life.
Her hobbies included: reading, tennis, badminton, bird watching, and horseback riding. Her horse, Mickey, was kept in the field known today as Candy Cane Lane just a few blocks from the Walterscheid family home, and where she eventually took residence.
Jeanne’s nephew, nieces, and great nephews and nieces describe her as, “The Fun Aunt.” She loved them as her own, and they affectionately gave her the name, “Aunt Neenie.” She took them on many fun outings such as bird watching, fishing, shooting BB guns, bicycling, ice cream trips in her truck, Honda moped rides, and taught them how to use all sorts of tools and gadgets. She even taught them many mischievous habits such as stealing spoonfuls of chocolate chip cookie dough from the refrigerator.
Another claim to fame is naming her little sister, “Dinger.” When Jeanne was a little girl, she took her new baby sister on a stroller ride through the neighborhood. She approached the postman and said, “Look at my new baby sister!” and he replied, “Well…that’s a humdinger!” When they returned home, Jeanne pointed to her new baby sister and said to her parents, “This is a dinger!” And that is how Jane Ellen (Walterscheid) Catone became known as “Dinger.”
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, grandmother Alice Thornbrugh (who lived with the family), sister Geraldine “Jerry” Ann Liebert, and brother-in laws Albert C. Liebert and John Catone.
Survivors include: sister Jane Ellen “Dinger” Catone, Coffeyville, niece Ann Marie (Tim) Vannoster, Coffeyville, nephew James Anthony “Jim” (Carrie) Catone, North Huntington, Pen., niece Caroline (Brad) Law, Lenexa, Kan., niece Mary Liebert (Les Pritt), Bixby, Okla, niece Carol Ann (Chris) Oneslager, Colwich, Kan., niece Jane Ellen Liebert, Lansing, Kan., cousin Tom Franken, Coffeyville, and cousin Pete (Nancy) Walterscheid, Coffeyville. Also surviving are 11 great nieces and nephews: Kari (Jameson) Vannoster-Price, Maria Catone, Olivia Oneslager, Katie Vannoster, Sophia Oneslager, Alayna Law, Johnny Catone, A.J. Franklin, Will Franklin, Megan Law, and Jack Franklin. She leaves behind her special furry friends Misty and Rocky.
Visitation is Sunday, November 12 at Holy Name Catholic Church, 408 Willow Street, Coffeyville, Kan., 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm with a rosary beginning at 6:00 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, November 13 at 10:00 am at Holy Name Catholic Church with Rev. James Schibi as officiant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Coffeyville.
With her love for Holy Name School and education, the family requests donations to “Holy Name Catholic School,” 406 Willow Street, Coffeyville, KS 67337. Please write “Jeanne Walterscheid Memorial” in the memo line.
Jeanne grew to love those who cared for her at Windsor Assisted Living (now Gran Villa), Medicalodge Midland, Harry Hines Hospice, and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. She would often reach for their hand and say, “Thanks, kid. I love you.” The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for Jeanne these last 18 months. Thank you for going above and beyond with your love and compassion especially during her final days.
Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dwbfh.com. Funeral arrangements provided by David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 Cline Road, Coffeyville, Kan., (620) 251-6008.
