Jean Strom

Jean was born February 13, 1919, the daughter of James G. and Amanda (Lemons) Duckworth on a farm 1.5 miles south of Hanover. They moved to a farm close to Highview school when Jean was three years old. She attended school at Highview until she was in third grade. They moved near Alta and she attended Alta Consolidated School through graduation in 1936. After Jean graduated from high school she attended Ft. Dodge Beauty Academy. Jean and Elmer Strom were married September 2, 1939 in Ft. Dodge, Iowa at the Presbyterian parsonage. They were blessed with three sons, Gordon, David and Steven. Jean became a member of the First Presbyterian Church in February 1934. She held many offices in the church, including Elder, Deacon and Trustee. Jean served as a Sunday school teacher, Circle chairman and P.W. She helped with Meals On Wheels and the Lord’s Cupboard. Jean spent several years with the St. John’s quilting ladies and enjoyed the fellowship and companionship of those friends. Jean owned and operated her own beauty shop for 45 years. She enjoyed the patrons of her shop and made many friends over the years. Jean loved to cook and spent many hours entertaining friends and family. She enjoyed traveling. She went on bus tours and also spent time in Alaska with son David and his friends. Jean’s husband of 35 years, Elmer passed away January 22, 1975, and her oldest son Gordon passed away June 4, 1991. She is also preceded in death by two daughters-in-law, Kathy and Nancy. Jean leaves her sons, David and his wife Marisa of Miami, FL, Steve and wife Betty of Alta; grandsons, Ben and wife Carrie of Corona Del Mar, CA, Greg and wife Gayle of Storm Lake; granddaughters, Staci of Chicago; Joni and husband Dave of Nashville; and great grandchildren, Bridget, Henry Griffin, Gabrie, Ava and Sophie. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.