Jean Stevens

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Jean Ann Stevens, nee Velten, age 80, a resident of Mount Vernon Veteran’s Home, passed away on August 20, 2023. 

She is survived by her son, Nicholas, and his wife Jacki and two grandchildren Lincoln and Cori. Brothers and sisters are Marge Wormington (Richard), David Velten (Paula), Mary Moore (Max), James Velten (Jackie), Carol Blanton (Bert), Karen Porter, Paul Velten (De), Dolores Sappington, Donna Stanford (Larry), Thomas Velten (Debbie), Barbara Oetker (Sherman) and Michele McQuality (Kevin). She leaves behind many wonderful friends. Her sense of humor, quick wit and feisty personality will be missed.

She was born in Detroit, MI to George and Stella Velten. The family returned to their hometown of Pierce City when she was two years old. She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Susan, a niece, Christy Stanford, a nephew, Troy Colley, and a great niece, Reese Johnson.

After graduating from McAuley High School in Joplin, Mo, Jean joined the Women’s Army Corp and attained the rank of Master Sergeant as a Personnel Specialist. She retired from the Army in 1997. She was highly decorated. She earned six Meritorious Service Medals, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, six Army Good Conduct Medals, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, two Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and an Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon. After retirement from the Army, she worked at the Department of Defense with assignments covering overseas support including the Iraq War. She retired in 2012.

Jean’s greatest joy was spending time gardening, bird watching, and cooking spectacular meals for friends and family. She dearly loved her son and grandchildren and supported them unconditionally. She provided colorful football commentary as she reveled in both disappointment and excitement for her team, the Redskins.

The family is deeply grateful to her circle of friends for their love and support, the staff at the Missouri Veteran’s Home for their amazing care, affection, and creativity, and to Seasons Hospice for their guidance and care.

Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church at 812 S. Pearl Ave, Joplin, MO, with Father Brian Straus officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will be held on October 10, at 9:45 a.m. at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home, 1600 S. Hickory, Mt. Vernon, MO. in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.