Eugenia Eva “Jean” Greer age 95 of Missouri Valley, Iowa passed away on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Longview Nursing Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Jean was born May 26, 1922 in Woodbine, Iowa to Fred and Grace (Henderson) Hiller. She was raised on a farm and attended Woodbine Schools. After high school graduation, Jean went on to get her teaching certificate and taught country school in the Moorhead and Woodbine area and later at country school outside of California Junction. She continued her education at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and after many years she graduated in 1974 with her Bachelor’s Degree in education.
Jean taught school for over 40 years in Modale, Council Bluffs, Crescent and Missouri Valley. She was very proud to be a teacher and would talk of the school days up until her last few days of life.
She married Leo R Greer on July 27, 1942 at St Patrick’s Church in Dunlap, IA. After living on the farm for a few years, they moved to Missouri Valley where Leo worked for the railroad and Jean taught school. They were blessed with two daughters, Cheryl and Georgia. Leo passed away in April 1971 leaving Jean to continue to raise their daughters.
Friends were very important to Jean. She had lots of friends and enjoyed spending time with them. A very special friend to her was Roger Gorham. They had over thirty years together as friends, going on many trips, dinners, dancing and just being good friends, both ending up at Longview Nursing Home where Roger passed away in 2016.
Being the matriarch of the family, Jean kept in touch with all her nieces and nephews, writing them letters, calling them or visiting with them. She kept in touch with them all. Niece, Barbara Guinan was very close to her, spending lots of time with her. Other nieces, Shirley, Pat, Rosanne, Suzie, Karen, Mary Kay, Mary Ellen, Patty, Gerda, Pat and nephews Denny and Bud kept in touch by phone or mail. She loved them all.
You could often find Jean doing embroidery, word searches or visiting on the phone. Most everyone has something that she embroidered.
She was active in the Retired Teachers Association, St Patrick’s Church, Eagles Club and a women’s sewing group. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She would travel to Ohio to see her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren three or four times a year. She enjoyed seeing the grandchildren in dance recitals and other school events. While in Missouri Valley, she would spend time with her grandson, teaching him poems and how to dance. Jean traveled until she was 85 and unable to go any more.
To look her best every day, have her hair done and makeup on were important to her. The staff at Longview were very caring in making sure she looked her best. She loved her weekly hair appointment with Jenny and getting new clothes.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Leo, friend Roger Gorham, brothers Paul (Thelma) Hiller, Perry (Iona) Hiller, sister Arline (Paul) Murphy all of Leo’s brothers and sisters and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was the last of her family.
She will truly be missed by her daughters and son-in-laws: Cheryl and Mike Fouts, Gahanna, Ohio, Georgia and Dave Johnson of Missouri Valley, IA. Her grandchildren: Adam and Amber Johnson, Michelle Fouts, Nicholas and Megan Fouts and James Fouts , one great granddaughter Kyra Johnson and many special nieces and nephews. She leaves us all with a loving and caring legacy that we will miss and share.
A Prayer service will be held Friday, November 17, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa.
The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the Church after the committal service at the cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
In Loving Memory Of
Eugenia Eva “Jean” Greer
Born
May 26, 1922 Woodbine, Iowa
Entered Into Eternal Rest
November 13, 2017 Missouri Valley, Iowa
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Missouri Valley, Iowa
Celebrant Father Raphael Masabakhwa
Organist Lyle Waterhouse
Vocalist Dennis Alvis
Vocal Selection
“Ava Maria” “Let There Be Peace On Earth”
“Prayer of St. Francis” “Here I Am Lord”
Taped Music Selection
“Pennies From Heaven”
Casket Bearers
Joe Guinan Ed Guinan
Dan Guinan Tom Guinan
Mike Guinan Pat Guinan
Tim Guinan Mark Guinan
Final Resting Place
Mt. Carmel Cemetery
Missouri Valley, Iowa
Pennies from Heaven
I found a penny today Just laying on the ground. But it’s not just a penny This little coin I’ve found. Found pennies come from heaven that’s what my Grandpa told me. He said Angels tossed them down Oh, how I loved that story! He said when an Angel misses you They toss a penny down, sometimes just to cheer you up To make a smile out of your frown. So don’t pass by that penny When you’re feeling blue. It may be a penny from heaven That an Angel’s tossed to you.
~ C. Mashburn
3 Comments
Georgia and Cheryl and families….. so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Such a great lady will be missed by anyone that knew her. RIP Aunt Jean. Prayers…..
Jean was a wonderful lady and will be missed. We are sorry for your loss and send our heartfelt sympathies.
Jean will be so missed. It was wonderful having her in our life was a blessing . She was indeed a wonder companion for Toger and our family was greatly blessed by her and all of your family. . Wishing you all comfort and peace.
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