Jean A. Kennedy

Jean A. Kennedy, age 90, a lifelong resident of Prairie City, Iowa, was born on January 19, 1935, to Roy Thompson and Grace (Clippenger) Thompson. Jean passed away on at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held July 13 from 12:30 p.m until 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Prairie City. A memorial service will begin immediately after visitation.

Jean attended “Rabbit Ridge” country school through seventh grade. She continued her education in Prairie City, graduating from high school in 1953. While in high school she met and made a “special” friend, Dwight Kennedy. Following graduation, they were united in marriage on June 11, 1953. They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Two daughters were born to this union. Jean worked several years for Bankers Life. In 1964 she began working at the First National Bank in Prairie City where she remained until her retirement in 1997. Throughout her many working years she remained impeccably organized and maintained an immaculate home. After retirement, Jean and Dwight spent 20 years wintering in Arizona, Georgia and Florida.

Jean enjoyed playing Bridge and attending book club, garden club, TTT Society and P.E.O. Above all else, her main priority was her family. Jean’s greatest passion was for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The joy and love she brought to her family will be her legacy, eternally living and growing in their hearts.

Those left to honor her memory are her husband, Dwight; daughters Marla Kennedy Gallardo and Kim (Tim) Smith; grandchildren Brandi (Christopher) Miller and their daughter, Isabella; Ryan (Sarah) Smith and their children Jackson and Charlotte; and Elizabeth Gallardo and her son, Axel. Jean is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jean in death were her parents; sisters, Jane Lenning and Joellen Adams; brothers, Richard Thompson and Robert (Bobby) Thompson; sister-in-law Marjorie Thompson and brother-in-law Harold Adams. Jean loved and missed them all.

Jean’s family would like to thank the staff at Edencrest – Tuscany and at Unity Point Taylor House for the compassionate and loving care given to Jean throughout her journey. A special thank you to Taylor Malcom, Unity Point in-home hospice nurse, for her support and genuine, loving care.

Memorials may be to the Prairie City United Methodist Church or Unity Point Hospice.