Jeanette Petry Gafner

1932 - 2020

Jeanette Petry Gafner

Oct. 11, 1932 - Dec. 17, 2020

Jeanette Petry Gafner

October 11, 1932 –

December 17, 2020

Jeanette was born on October 11, 1932, (as a twin) to Henry Baldwin and Zora Lee (Clepper) Petry in Houston, Texas. At the age of four her twin sister passed away. Jeanette was known as Jeanie or Meme.

She met the love of her life, Arthur Nelson Gafner (known as Art), of Waco, Texas, at college in Keene, Texas. Art wooed Jeanie with his charismatic talent on the pearly whites and singing to her. Their story began when they were joined in matrimony on August 31, 1950. They lived in various locations in the states of Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska.

Art and Jeanie had three children; Carroll Nelson, born in Canon City, Colorado; Lannette Sheree, born in Lincoln, Nebraska; and Jeanne Rene, born in Omaha, Nebraska.

Jeanie earned her nursing degree and Jeanie and Art both worked at Douglas County Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. They both continued their college educations to become teachers. Art earned his degree in history. Jeanie earned a degree in education and remedial reading. Jeanie went on to earn her Master's Degree. Together they taught for Omaha Public Schools. Jeanie later taught for District 66 Schools and in the summers at Peru State College in Nebraska. Following Art's retirement, they moved back to Texas where Jeanie continued her teaching career. She taught at the SDA School in Mesquite, then at Baylor University in Waco, and finished her teaching career at Riesel Public Schools. Jeanie was honored to be included in the First Limited Edition book "NOTABLE WOMEN OF TEXAS" 1984-1985.

Jeanie and Art believed strongly in the teachings of their faith and often demonstrated their kindness and generosity to all. Jeanie and Art's church and education was a huge part of their lives. They hosted many church and educational events in their homes, including church members as well as visiting missionaries. They enjoyed socializing with many family, friends, neighbors and associates. They shared their musical talents singing duets and for many years sang in the Church Cantatas. Being members of Eastern Star, and Art a honored Mason, they both donated many hours to worthy causes for the less fortunate. Over the years Jeanie and Art invited family and friends into their home, where they would host sing-a-long parties, hay rides with hot dog and marshmallow roasts, and Saturday night pizza parties which often ended in the late hours playing cards and table games.

Jeanie passed away peacefully in her sleep (non covid related) on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the age of 88 in Georgetown, Texas. Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur N; brother, Calvin Petry and his wives, Nonie and Jackie; brother, Henry B. (HB) Petry; sister, Dorothy Williams and husband, Burt; twin sister, Leanette Petry; brother, James (Jim) Petry; nephews, Robert and Malcom Cox (sons of Dorothy); Mike Petry (son of HB); great-granddaughter, Victoria Bowley (Gentry's daughter).

Jeanie is survived by her children, Carroll N. Gafner and wife Kim Geneski of Golden, CO; Lannette S. Gafner/Pietanze and husband Steven P. Pietanze of Pueblo West, CO; Jeanne R. Olkkola and husband Edward E. Olkkola of Georgetown, TX; grandson, Gentry T. Bowley of Chelsea, MA, granddaughter, Veronica R. Bowley of Bennington, NE (Lana's children); grandson, Jeremy D. Reichert and wife Amy of Littleton, CO, granddaughter Nicole S. Herrera and husband Allen A. ll of Highlands Ranch, CO, (Jeanne's children); stepgranddaughters, Emily and Lilian, (Edward's daughters); great-grandchildren; Dillon W., Alea V., and Shawn C. Kocher of Bennington, NE (Veronica's children); Hailey A. and Greyson A. A. Herrera of Denver, CO (Nicole's children); Kylie J. Reichert of Littleton, CO (Jeremy's daughter); nieces; Virginia Gifford and husband Marvin of Springfield, MO, JoAnn Loignon of Keene, TX (HB's daughters); nephews; Billy Cox of the Houston, TX area (Dorothy's son); Mark Petry and wife Gloria, of Hempstead, TX (Calvin's son); niece-in-law, Karla Cox of Conroe, TX (Malcolm's wife).