Jean McEwen

Sharing an experience around the McEwen table, you were treated not just with a home-cooked meal, but with a quiet intention filled with so much love that Jean always made you feel full. Jean carried this feeling with her everywhere and shared it with everyone. Much to the surprise of her mother and father, Bernice and Carl Wagner, Jeans free spirit took her to San Francisco, after growing up on the farm, where she worked as a nurse at both the Marin County Hospital and the University of California San Francisco. Jean was introduced to Art McEwen on a double date with mutual friends. There are fond stories of the two of them riding through the Bay Area, with the top down in the MG convertible, their hearts already full of the promise you see today in their legacy. Jean and Art were married in 1966 in San Rafael, CA at Saint Raphaels Mission Chapel. In 1974, they moved their family to the Wagner family farm south of Prairie City, IL where she quickly became involved in the community working for Saunders Hospital in Avon, then moving to McDonough District Hospital (MDH) in 1982 where she worked until retirement in 2005, finishing her service as a home health nurse. While at MDH, Jean received the Apple Award. Jean was an active member of her local PEO chapter for 47 years, was involved in the Red Hat Society and her church, served as a Sunday school teacher and a volunteer for countless local organizations. Jeans service to her family, friends, patients, church, fellow members of PEO, and her community was unceasing. It lives in the spirit of those of us she touched in such gentle and unique ways with her love, her food, her sweetness, her quiet and humble commitment to others, and her unconditional love. Jean was born on February 27, 1940, and died in service to the community and her family on January 28, 2024. Jean (Wagner) McEwen was preceded in death by her husband Art McEwen, her father Carl Wagner and mother Bernice (Homer) Wagner, as well as her brother Richard Wagner, and sister Marilyn (Wagner) Taylor. Jean is survived by her four children and their spouses: Brian (Cherish) McEwen, Laura (John) Ashworth, Eric (Mindy) McEwen, and Ed (Allison) McEwen, and her 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild: Ashley (Luke) Shafer, John (Kim) McEwen, Carl and Ana Ashworth, Wesley, Luke, Jake, and Cole McEwen, Logan McEwen, and Nicholas McEwen. Visitation will be Saturday February 3, 2024, from 9 until 11 am at Checkrow Community Church, 3564 East Checkrow Road, Avon, IL 61415, followed by a service at 11 am. At the close of the service, graveside services will be held at Prairie City Cemetery. Following graveside services, a celebration of life and meal will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Checkrow Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education. Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com Visitation Saturday, February 3, 2024 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Checkrow Community Church 3564 East Checkrow Road Avon,IL 61415 Memorial Service Saturday, February 3, 2024 11:00 AM Checkrow Community Church 3587 E. Checkrow Rd. Avon,IL 61415 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jean, please visit our Tree Store.