Jean is survived by her children, Barbara Akina of Versailles and Jeff & Kellie Stover of Dublin; grandchildren, David & Christy (Arnold) Akina, Stacy Stover, Eric & Julie (Pierron) Stover, Miles Stover and Madeleine Stover; and 8 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Jean was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. “Bob” Stover; son, Stanley Stover; brothers, Orville, Bud, Vernon and Garland Gaines; and sister, Nadine Lowe.
Jean met Robert L. (Bob) Stover in her hometown of Oklahoma City in 1942 while he was stationed there, serving in the US Air Force, before deploying to the war in Europe. They fell in love, got married and Jean settled with him in Versailles in 1943. She fell in love with the people and the community of this small Midwestern village and her feelings never changed for her remaining 72 years. Some of her first acquaintances were women in the Coterie Club and many became her longest-lasting and most cherished friends.
After settling in her new home for a few years and having two children, Stanley and Barbara, Jean picked up her scissors and went back to work. Eventually she started her own businesses, one in Versailles and one in Greenville. She was happy and proud to be part of the local business community. Anyone who ever worked for her, was a client, or simply got to know her knew her caring, positive, can-do attitude. She truly loved her work and she liked to have fun while she was at it!
Jean began her working career early in life. At the age of sixteen she went to Beauty School and took her first job as a hair stylist in downtown Oklahoma City when she finished. She loved to talk about riding the trolley car home from work where she’d gulp down half a sandwich while she got dressed to go back downtown for the music and dancing. She danced to live performances of Count Basie, Cab Calloway, the Dorsey Brothers and many more. (My generation would call her a Big Band freak!) She made good and lasting friendships during that time and truly enjoyed her youthful independence. She was always fiercely independent. She was extraordinary in her complete lack of prejudice. I haven’t known another who took anyone and everyone at face value, without judgment. She looked for the best in all people and situations. We will cherish her memory for all of our lives.
A celebration of Jean’s life will held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Dennis Wheeler officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family request memorial contributions may be made to the Versailles Area Museum, State of the Heart Hospice or Cancer Association of Darke County. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
