Claudia "Jean" St. John
July 20, 1944 ~ May 14, 2025
Jean went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 2:31am, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Urbana, Indiana. There her kind, sweet, and pure nature will continue to delight and endear her to everyone she meets. While she was with us, she loved us fiercely, her family second only to Jesus. Jean was born in Marion, Indiana, on July 20, 1944, to John and Ruth (Adams) Rivers. She graduated from Fairmount High School in 1962. She married the love of her life, Ara St. John, on July 16, 1966, while Ara was home on leave after U.S. Naval boot camp. Ara was stationed in Hawaii during the Vietnam War, and they lived together there for 9 months of his naval service tenure. She worked as a secretary, and she retired from the Information Services department at Taylor University in 2006.
Jean was a talented seamstress, sewing clothing for her family and items for her home throughout her life. Her magnum opus was the beautiful satin wedding gown that she designed and made for her daughter. Her love language was spending time together, so she enjoyed hosting family gatherings at their home of 41 years in Sweetser, Indiana. She was amazing at finding the perfect gift to give to a loved one - finding items that celebrated the very nature of the receiver. Everyone that knew Jean loved her smile and her sweetness - she took time to speak sincerely to everyone, and her quick wit brought laughter into the lives of those who were blessed to know her. She was very patriotic, incorporating the red, white, and blue into her every day, whether it be clothing, décor, or conversation.
She leaves behind - for a short time until we meet again in Heaven - her loving husband of 59 years, Ara St. John; and two children: Romi (Kenny) Plath, Urbana, Indiana, and Shawn (Vanessa) St. John, Avon, Indiana. She adored her three grandchildren, “Grammy” to Victoria (Alex) Stephenson of Marion, Indiana, Selena (Kevin) Layman of Andrews, Indiana, and “Nana” to Lucas St. John of Avon, Indiana. And while they could overwhelm her with their energy, she always looked forward to seeing her great-grandchildren: Adelia-Rae & Ellawyn Stephenson, and Ada, Weston, & Colter Layman. Jean also leaves behind siblings, Gary (Connie) Rivers, Sue (the late Terry) Summers, Karol (Rod) Wardwell, and Becky (Robert) Pelkey.
Jean was preceded in death by her father, John Rivers; her mother, Naomi Ruth Holt; and her brother, John Rivers.
Jean’s family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their attentive, compassionate care during Jean’s final months with us. Those who have called, visited, sent cards and gifts, brought meals, and lifted our family in prayer have blessed us greatly, and we are so thankful for you.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave. (State Road 9), Marion, IN 46952.
Immediately following the visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Jean's life will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastors Doug Jentes and Jason Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory, 11201 S. Marion Rd 35, Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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