Jill VanDorn

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Jill VanDorn was born April 8, 1937 in Bangor, Maine the daughter of LeRoy and Pauline (Giberson) Durant. She entered into rest on October 4, 2020 at her home, suddenly at the age of 83. 

Jill was known by all who knew and loved her as 'Nanny' or 'Nanny Bird'. At the core of her being she was a mom and loved large. All of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren knew the meaning of unconditional love because that was the gift she graciously gave her family. 

Nanny's love language was service. She spent her whole life serving and helping those in need and that is what brought her joy. She was a natural caregiver that could sweep in and make everything okay, all while getting the laundry caught up. No one in the family could keep up with her abundance of energy and her sass was always a force to reckon with. 

One of the most beautiful legacies she leaves she leaves behind today is her devotion caring for her grandson Dallas while he was alive. The years our mom and dad lovingly helped Mark and Cheryl care for their son was a sacrificial example of what family is all about. We will all miss seeing her beautiful white hair and larger than life smile at the ballpark, church and retail store having a sale. 

Jill and Joe E. VanDorn were married on July 2, 1956 in Miami, Oklahoma and they shared 54 years together before Joe's death on August 2, 2010. 

Jill is survived by her five children, Cheryl (Mark) Hawkins of Neosho, Ralph VanDorn of Seneca, Kim (Greg) Ketcham of Neosho, Pam (Randy) Cope of Bella Vista, Arkansas and Tam Durbin of Neosho; grandchildren, Jeramiah Durbin, Janon Durbin, Jill (Jordan) Langland, Darius (Amanda) Hawkins, Gregan (Keegan) Monahan, Kreslee (Landon) Ryser, Crista (Zach) Austin, Van Cope and Tatum Cope; great grandchildren, Dawsyn Decker, Summit and Stratton Langland, Locklyn and Ledger Monahan and Miller Joy Austin; one brother, Erwin (Ruth) Durant of Bangor, Maine and sister in law, Brenda Durant of New Hampshire. 

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by two grandsons, Jantsen Cope and Dallas Hawkins, her twin brother, Jack, brother, Richard and sister, Madalene.

We are grateful to celebrate her life outside because she loved the fall weather and was a breath of fresh air to everyone she met. We are grieving because someone very special is missing, but we cling to believing that the best is yet to come.

VISITATION

Clark Chapel of Memories
Tuesday, October 06, 2020
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
312 S. Wood St.
Neosho, MO

Friends may call at the funeral home from noon until 7 pm and the family will be present from 5-7 pm, Tuesday evening.

Jill loved children and the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Ronald McDonald House of Joplin or Touch a Life,(www.touchalifekids.org) c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Oakwood Cemetery
Wednesday, October 07, 2020
10:30 AM
19883 Jaguar Rd.
Neosho, MO 64850