Alma “Jeanne” Best, 85, Chamois, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at her residence.
She was born Aug. 20, 1938, to the late Francis and Marie (Schowengerdt) Gilbert in Chamois.
She was a 1956 graduate of Fort Osage High School in Independence.
Jeanne was united in marriage to William H. Best Oct. 7, 1956, in Napoleon.
She was employed with Sears in downtown Kansas City and later went to work for Bendix Corporation in South Kansas City as the company’s first woman engineer from where she retired after 22 years of employment.
Jeanne was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn, lifetime member of the Eastern Star, Osage County Historical Society, serving on the election committee for Jackson and Osage Counties and served on the Republican Committee. She was also known for writing her weekly article in the Unterrified Democrat called the St. Aubert News which she took over from her mother.
Jeanne enjoyed playing the piano for her church, gardening, being outdoors and picking dandelions. She was also a foster parent, and her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family and friends.
Jeanne was preceded by husband of 64 years, William; parents Francis and Marie; and brother, Leon Gilbert.
She is survived by children, William Whippo and wife Shelia of Nancy, Ky. and Christine Rickey and friend Jeffrey Sawyer of Warsaw; brothers, Leroy Gilbert of Blue Springs and David Gilbert of Tuson, Ariz.; sister, Mary Potter of Blue Springs; grandchildren, Amanda, Tom, Rachel, Rocky, Shelby, Billy, Zach, Matthew, Ashley, Ivy and Maximus; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral service was held Jan.15, at Morton Chapel in Linn, with Rev. Kayla Kelly-Beard officiating.
Interment was in Oakland Cemetery in Chamois.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. John’s United Methodist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
