Jill Christine Werner

Jill Christine Werner was born on August 23, 1959, to John and Patricia Hardesty and grew up in Raymond, Nebraska, alongside her siblings: Susan, Chris and Kate. After graduating from Raymond High School in 1977, Jill began working at Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph as an operator in 1978. She met her husband, Rich, in 1979, and they married on May 23, 1987. After working at LT&T for 15 years, Jill retired to stay home and raise her three triplet children: Paige, Cal, and Drew. In 2010, Jill returned to work as a CPA Office Manager at Jan Mumm & Associates before retiring again in December 2021.

Jill was a devoted mother to three wonderful children and spent 16 years fully embracing the busy mom lifestyle—constantly taking all three kids to their various activities and sporting events. Jill’s greatest joy in life was her husband and children (and, of course, the many dogs they adopted over the years). She poured her heart into nurturing and supporting her family’s dreams while maintaining a simple life in the country. Jill was known for finding great bargains at local estate sales and spent her free time caring for others.

Jill’s love was constant, generous, and unconditional. Known for her warmth and compassion, she had a gift for making others feel seen and cared for—whether through a listening ear, a thoughtful gesture, or a carefully curated gift. She truly was the world’s greatest gift giver, and her quiet strength touched the lives of many.

In November 2024, Jill was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and began her treatment journey at the April Sampson Cancer Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. After a long, hard-fought battle, Jill passed away on December 31, 2025, at her home with her beloved husband and dogs by her side.

Jill will be remembered for her gentle spirit, resilience, and the deep bonds she formed with family and friends. Though her passing leaves a profound void, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and in the lives of her children and grandchildren, who will carry forward her values and love.

Jill is survived by her husband, Richard; her three children: Paige (Grant) Gelecki, Drew (James Schwartzkopf) Werner, and Cal (Bradlynn Hardt) Werner; three grandchildren: Luca, Paxton, and Brooks; her father, John L. Hardesty; her brother, Chris Hardesty; and her sisters: Susan (Lonnie) Esquivel and Kate Althouse. She is also survived by her niece and nephew, Lance and Lauryn Althouse.

Memorial donations preferred to Capital Human Society at https://www.capitalhumanesociety.org/ways-to-give/ or to Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach at https://www.mtko.org/donate

Visitation will be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 from 5PM-7PM. Services will be held on Thursday January 8th at 2PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Address: 6800 South 14th St. Lincoln, Nebraska 68521.