Jean Ann Bookout was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was a kind, caring, loving and selfless woman; her smile sparkled in her eyes. She lived her life as an example anyone would admire, many friends saying she was the classiest lady they’ve ever met. Her family would agree.
Jean Ann and Wayne met in February 1960, her Senior year of high school. Jean Ann attended Sentinel High School and Wayne attended Dill City high school about 10 miles away. They were married in Sentinel, February 11, 1961. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech, in Lubbock, in 1967. Jean Ann and Wayne had three children, Kurt was born in 1964, Leslie in 1968 and Carrie in 1971.
Jean Ann taught Home Economics at Andover High School from 1987 to 1990 and substitute taught for many years in the Andover and Circle school districts. She was certainly a favorite teacher and substitute teacher to many students.
Jean Ann and Wayne loved to travel and did so extensively over the years. They shared their love of travel with their grandchildren, taking each of them on a trip after graduating high school. They made many wonderful travel memories with family and friends over the years.
Jean’s faith was central in her life. She was very involved with her church life in almost every aspect including teaching Sunday School, office work, UMW, holiday dinners, decorating, working with youth groups and volunteering whenever needed.
Mom, Grandma, or Gigi, was always involved with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids lives, and loved every minute of it. She was loved by her family as much she loved them. She helped with church youth groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and countless camp-outs and cookie sales. She also loved attending sporting events to cheer on her grandkids.
She loved to have her family gather around her and always had wonderful feasts prepared for everyone. She and Wayne moved in 1998 from Andover, Kansas to Grand Lake, Oklahoma and lived there for 23 years until they moved back to Andover. The lake house became a favorite gathering place for family as well as friends. Her children and grandchildren loved to spend time there and enjoy the beautiful home she created. Many holidays, summer vacations and high school reunions were spent with Jean and Wayne at the lake. Her family especially loved it when they were all there together. Gigi’s cooking and all the games played at the kitchen table were the best parts of these gatherings. Jean Ann and Wayne moved back to Andover permanently in November of 2021 to be closer to family. They have enjoyed being very close to family since their move back to the Andover area.
Jean Ann was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2022. She passed away peacefully on January 2, 2023 after a long and difficult battle and is now in heaven with her Lord and Savior.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Florence Tustison, and sister Donna Williams.
Jean is survived by her husband of 62 years, Wayne Bookout; son Kurt Bookout (Kacy); daughter Leslie Renz (Richard); daughter Carrie Messmore (David); grandchildren Kylie Turner (Trevor), Kutter Bookout (Jaimie), Cason Perry, Connor Perry, Ashton Perry, David Renz, Nate Renz, Megan Renz, Zach Messmore, Regan Messmore, and Nolan Messmore; and great grandchildren Gavin, Brenlee, Brixly, Brystol, Beckham, Bowen, Jay and Amelia.
A funeral service for Jean will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, California 90266 US, https://pancan.org/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MyLakeviewFuneralHome.com for the Bookout family.
