Obituary for Jean M. King (Kendrick)
On July 11, 2021, Jean Marie King, née Kendrick, passed away surrounded by loved ones. She was 81.
Her love, care and devotion to her family were extraordinary. She loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.
Her beloved husband, Bill, twin sister Joan Pope, parents Lucille and Jerome Kendrick, and infant grandson Matthew preceded her in death.
She loved to laugh. When Jean and her twin Joan would begin laughing, the outburst could be heard for hundreds of feet. Their lives were closely intertwined. She grew up in Normandy, Missouri and earned her teacher certificate from Central Missouri State University. She taught in several schools in St. Louis County. Jean met Charles “Bill” King at a dance in St. Louis. They married in 1966 and had three children; Catherine, Daniel and Patrick, who they raised in Edwardsville, IL. They feel fortunate to have been raised by such a loving mom. Jean was a creative force. If she came up with an idea, she would design and build it in an era when that was uncommon. When she would learn that a family member or friend needed a project completed, Jean would offer to build it for them. Jean and her friend Carol began a word-of-mouth business painting and wallpapering as well as building decks and fences. She loved the outdoors and traveling. She spent many summers camping with her family at national parks and forests throughout North America and Canada. Her knack for making sure everyone was comfortable in their tents was legendary. She loved to be by the water; whether it was the ocean, an Ozark river, a rushing mountain stream or a placid lake. She was a deeply soulful, compassionate, spiritual and radiant person. She was an exceptional listener who helped many friends and family members through difficult times.
Jean is survived by her children and their spouses: Catherine King & Tom James, Daniel & Suzy King, and Patrick King & Beth Koehler. She is also survived by her brother John Kendrick, sister-in-law Cheri Kendrick, sister Mary Ann Kendrick, brother Daniel Kendrick, sister-in-law Jane Kendrick, brother-in-law David Pope, sister-in-law Barbara Pope, sister-in-law Suzanne King-Bires, brother-in-law Jerry Bires, former son-in-law Rick Arnold, grandchildren Christopher (Abby Wirtel), John Patrick, Iris, Katrina, Cate, Charlie, Brian, Rowan, & Colleen, and step-grandchildren Emma and Elliot.
Jean took great pleasure in witnessing the happiness of others. Her wishes were to have a “hootenanny” to celebrate her passing. She requested that her family and friends gather in celebration of her life with food, music and laughter. Details of the hootenanny will be shared with family and friends. Memorials may be made to the Camp Ondessonk Scholarship Fund, 3760 Ondessonk Road, Ozark, IL 62972 or Soup-n-Share Outreach Program, 1 Caine Drive, Madison, IL 62060.
Her love, care and devotion to her family were extraordinary. She loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.
Her beloved husband, Bill, twin sister Joan Pope, parents Lucille and Jerome Kendrick, and infant grandson Matthew preceded her in death.
She loved to laugh. When Jean and her twin Joan would begin laughing, the outburst could be heard for hundreds of feet. Their lives were closely intertwined. She grew up in Normandy, Missouri and earned her teacher certificate from Central Missouri State University. She taught in several schools in St. Louis County. Jean met Charles “Bill” King at a dance in St. Louis. They married in 1966 and had three children; Catherine, Daniel and Patrick, who they raised in Edwardsville, IL. They feel fortunate to have been raised by such a loving mom. Jean was a creative force. If she came up with an idea, she would design and build it in an era when that was uncommon. When she would learn that a family member or friend needed a project completed, Jean would offer to build it for them. Jean and her friend Carol began a word-of-mouth business painting and wallpapering as well as building decks and fences. She loved the outdoors and traveling. She spent many summers camping with her family at national parks and forests throughout North America and Canada. Her knack for making sure everyone was comfortable in their tents was legendary. She loved to be by the water; whether it was the ocean, an Ozark river, a rushing mountain stream or a placid lake. She was a deeply soulful, compassionate, spiritual and radiant person. She was an exceptional listener who helped many friends and family members through difficult times.
Jean is survived by her children and their spouses: Catherine King & Tom James, Daniel & Suzy King, and Patrick King & Beth Koehler. She is also survived by her brother John Kendrick, sister-in-law Cheri Kendrick, sister Mary Ann Kendrick, brother Daniel Kendrick, sister-in-law Jane Kendrick, brother-in-law David Pope, sister-in-law Barbara Pope, sister-in-law Suzanne King-Bires, brother-in-law Jerry Bires, former son-in-law Rick Arnold, grandchildren Christopher (Abby Wirtel), John Patrick, Iris, Katrina, Cate, Charlie, Brian, Rowan, & Colleen, and step-grandchildren Emma and Elliot.
Jean took great pleasure in witnessing the happiness of others. Her wishes were to have a “hootenanny” to celebrate her passing. She requested that her family and friends gather in celebration of her life with food, music and laughter. Details of the hootenanny will be shared with family and friends. Memorials may be made to the Camp Ondessonk Scholarship Fund, 3760 Ondessonk Road, Ozark, IL 62972 or Soup-n-Share Outreach Program, 1 Caine Drive, Madison, IL 62060.