Jean Knadler

Jean Knadler, wife, mother, and friend passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long struggle with multiple heart and lung issues. She was 80 years old.
A native of California, Jean was born in 1943 while her father was serving in the Army during WWII. She grew up as the oldest child to doting parents Frances and Paul Blankinship, who proceeded her in death, and as older sister to a younger brother, Mike, who kept her on her toes. A life-long lover of education, Jean graduated as salutatorian of Torrance High School.
She attended the University of Redlands, where she earned a bachelor's degree in speech pathology. After a first marriage and becoming a devoted mother to her daughter, Suzanne, Jean divorced and then married the love of her love, Dean, to whom she was married for 39 years. In that second marriage, she also gained two wonderful step-daughters: Tammy and Jackie.
A born teacher, Jean taught every elementary grade except kindergarten, as well as middle school grades, and worked as a music teacher, art teacher and choir teacher. She was well-known as a dedicated teacher with good discipline and received multiple teaching awards over the years and was so loved by her students that she remained in touch with many until her passing. Her numerous large-scale musical productions will live on in the hearts and minds of the hundreds of students who still cherish her as a main influence in their young lives.
Jean retired to Bella Vista in 1998, where she spent her golden years making new friends, painting, golfing, singing in the Highlands United Methodist church choir, and playing bells in the bell choir, as well as directing church-related productions. She was an active member and past president of the P.E.O. women's sorority.
Jean joins her husband, Dean, who proceeded her in death, but will be greatly missed by her daughter, Suzanne Crouch of Dallas,TX; brother, Mike Blankinship of Newbury Park, CA; step-daughter, Tammy Heiman of San Bernadino, CA; granddaughter, Maia Roberts, and grandson, Jeramie Holloway.
A service will be held on Saturday, April 20th at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate Jean's life at Highlands United Methodist Church, 371 Glasgow Rd., Bella Vista, AR 72715. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church, selecting Music Ministries and noting Jean Knadler Memorial via https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZF1V/home. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jean, please visit our Tree Store.