Bethany, MO: Edith Jean Hovey, known as Jean, was born October 23, 1942 in the Gilman City, MO area. She was the daughter of Lee Franklin Taylor and Minnie Acaleene (Huffman) Taylor and passed away on October 1, 2026 at Crestview Nursing Home.
Jean graduated in 1960 from Harrison County R-IV in Gilman City, Mo. After graduation, she moved to the Kansas City, MO area and worked as an Assistant Buyer for Kline’s Department Store. She later worked as Office Administrator for several different firms.
While in Kansas City, she met her husband, Russell Hovey. They were married on March 17, 1963 at the Christian Church in Bethany, MO. To this union, they were blessed with two children, Greg and Lisa. Russell’s work took him to Washington, DC and the family made their home in Maryland.
After Russell’s death, Jean moved with her granddaughter Allison back to Missouri. With Jean’s love of books, it was only natural for her to become active with the Bethany Public Library, where she served as Board Treasurer.
Jean was so proud of her granddaughter’s accomplishment in school and especially when she became a nurse. Her pride and joy was her great grandson, Maddox. She loved sharing stories after he would come to visit of all they did.
Jean not only loved to read, but also loved doing crossword puzzles and a good, iced coffee. She was a stylish dresser and kept impeccable bookkeeping records. She said she enjoyed helping people to learn good record keeping.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband; parents; granddaughter, Allison; sisters, Margery Gillette and Beverly Merritt; and brother, Bobby Wiley.
Jean is survived by her children, Greg and Lisa; great grandson, Maddox; sisters, Choldean Smith and Debra Taylor; brothers, Garland (Patsy) Taylor and Gary (Mary) Taylor; cousins, other family members and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 7 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Bethany Public Library and/or donor’s choice in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
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