Eugena Helen "Jeanne" Willett

WILLETT Eugena "Jeanne" Helen Willett, age 78, of Upper Arlington, OH, after a long illness was beautifully and peacefully delivered into God's hands the morning of February, 26th, 2007, surrounded by her loving family. Born Eugena Ferkenhoff on June 30th, 1928, in Batesville, IN, the daughter of Harry John and Mathilda Augusta (Billman) Ferkenhoff. Jeanne was the third youngest of ten children. Attended St. Louis Elementary School in Batesville, Batesville High School, and graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Covington, KY in 1949 as a registered nurse. Jeanne practiced nursing at St. Elizabeth Hospital between 1949 and 1951, Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville between 1951 and 1953, and Marin General Hospital in Mill Valley, CA in 1954. On June 27th, 1953, she married James Glenn Willett. Over the next 17 years, Jeanne would deliver eleven wonderful children into the world. As a very devoted mother, grandmother of 23, and aunt to many nieces and nephews Jeanne valued family most. While actively rearing her children, Jeanne annually led Cub Scout and Girl Scout packs, assisted with special arts and crafts classes at school, chaperoned may special parties and events for school-related activities, created artwork and calligraphy for high school proms and athletic banquets, and took children on Christmas caroling outings when the children were in elementary school. Jeanne's strong faith in the Roman Catholic Church found its way into and guided all aspects of her life, which included creating holiday traditions and adding a refrain to a popular birthday song. Jeanne was a crossword puzzle enthusiast resulting in a sharp mind and quick wit. Jeanne had many hobbies and talents that included crafts, home decorating for every major holiday, and singing, which was further developed when she joined the Batesville High School Chant Ensemble Club and was soothingly heard throughout the house by her children. In Jeanne's later years, grandchildren became her interest and the celebration of their lives her purpose. Many of Jeanne's friends are the result of her long-time membership of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Upper Arlington. Jeanne not only loved her family and friends, but also all of God's creatures and nature. This passion for nature drove Jeanne's love of gardening, where flowers often surrounded the house. Jeanne's loving heart led her to volunteer work that included American Red Cross, church festivals, church Christmas bazaars, and feeding the homeless. Jeanne was passionate and involved with many issues which led to the membership of many organizations which included the Audubon Society, Historical Society, Franklin Park Conservatory, Museum of Art, Capital Humane Society, St. Andrew Women's Club, American Red Cross, and the National Wildlife Federation. Preceding Jeanne's death are her parents Harry and Mathilda Ferkenhoff, sisters Mary, Olivia (Bertrand) Bentfield, Clotilda (Lutz) Schreiner, Magdalen (Francis) Bartling, Juanita (William) Chappelow, brother Carl Ferkenhoff. Leaving behind to grieve Jeanne's loss are her sisters, Margaret (John) Hooten of Batesville, IN, Elverna (Elvin) Comer of Rushville, IN, and Gloria Ferkenhoff of Cincinnati, OH; sister-in-law, Mary (Carl) Ferkenhoff of Cincinnati, OH; husband, Glenn; children, Douglas of Chicago, IL, Beth (Gregory) Sheumaker of Westerville, OH, Pamela (Kirk) Ernst of Delaware, OH, Cynthia (Roy Robert) Harless of Bellville, OH, Brett of Columbus, Bradley of Tucson, AZ, Dean (Debra) of Mason, OH, Darryl (Jennifer) of Hilliard, Paula (John) Steller of Columbus, Craig of Upper Arlington, and Tanya of Upper Arlington. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 North High Street, Worthington. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 2007, St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1899 McCoy Road, (at Reed Road), Upper Arlington, (PLEASE NOTE TIME OF SERVICE). Father Michael Watson, Celebrant. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. The family would like to convey a special thanks to Jeanne's primary care physician, Dr. Heintz and her Mount Carmel West Medical Center's medical staff including Dr. Vaccarello, the Palliative Care Unit's Dr. Santa-Emma, nurses Julie, Nicole, and Jennifer, nursing assistant Karl for their loving care, and Dr. Kennedy of Home Hospice for his reassuring words. In lieu of flowers, friends and family who wish may contribute in memory of Eugena "Jeanne" Willett to the following: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Greater Cincinnati Chapter, 8041 Hasbrook Rd., Suite 422, Cincinnati, OH 45236; Dr. Marc Rothenburg Center of Eosinophilic Disorders Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229; Sierra Club Ohio Chapter, P.O. Box 15243, Columbus, OH 43215. Prayer Service 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.