Born July 12, 1935 in Oceanside, NY, she was the daughter of the late Walter Harold Ritter and Claire Louise Hautsch Ritter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Edgar Milton Holsten. Jean and Ed created a marriage deeply rooted in love and a life-long friendship. Their tender affection, kindness, and constant service to others as a couple were an inspiration.
Jean served as a Sunday School teacher during her boys’ childhood and was an active PTA mother. As a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Hickory, she served as a senior choir member, in various circles, and was active with the home visitation group, Matthew 25 and Stephen ministry. Jean sang and performed with the Catawba Valley Community Chorus. She delivered Meals on Wheels with Ed, and enjoyed the Senior Citizens group now called Adult Fellowship. Hobbies included crossword puzzles, reading, and antiquing. She was also an avid traveler. Always the optimist, Jean radiated a cheerful attitude towards life that motivated those around her.
Jean graduated in 1957 from Tusculum College with a B.A. degree in Sociology. She was recognized by Who’s Who Among American University Students. As a social worker, Jean saw the need for community based care for disabled adults and responded to it with intent. In 1983, she oversaw the development and served as the first Director of Hickory’s Adult Life Programs, Inc. From initial operations in a Corinth Church Sunday School room, her vision has grown into a program serving over 200 disabled adults annually, operating three community centers and serving five counties.
A devoted mother, Jean is survived by her two sons, Glenn Alan Holsten, wife Kerry and daughter, Kaitlin Joy Holsten of Ijamsville, MD, and Kenneth (Ken) Scott Holsten, wife Susan and children, daughter Julia Anna and twin sons, Nicholas (Nick) Chase and Joseph (Joey) Blake, of Glen Allen, VA. Her brother, Charles Willard Ritter and wife Alva of Alpharetta, GA., also survive her.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday April 14, 2018 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Hickory with Rev. Ryan Ray officiating. A private inurnment will follow the service in the church columbarium. The family will then greet friends in Mt. Olive’s Heritage Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2780 N Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601, Adult Life Programs Inc., P O Box 807, Hickory, NC 28603 or a charity of one’s choice.
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