Florence Jean Carden

Florence “Jean” German Carden of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age 95. She was born on July 25, 1930, in Manchester, Oklahoma. She grew up on the family farm with her parents (Mary Pauline Hess German and Clester Albert German), and siblings. Jean and her twin brother (Lawrence) were the middle children of nine.

Jean graduated from Amorita High School in 1949. She moved to Shawnee, Kansas, to attend secretarial school, where she lived with her older brother (Arnold) and his wife. After completing her training she began working at Graybar Electrical Company, where she met her husband, John Wesley Carden. They were married on December 30, 1949, and moved to their first house in the Waldo area of Kansas City.

Jean continued to work until their daughter (Lisa Kim Carden-Smith) was born and remained at home following the birth of their son (David Carden). In 1970 she began working for American Family Insurance. She moved to the Union Insurance Company as an adjustor in 1970. She was promoted to Marketing Representative in 1981, travelling throughout Kansas and Nebraska supporting independent insurance agents. Jean retired in 1994 and spent the next 30 years volunteering for organizations, doing philanthropic work, working with her educational charitable sorority, and participating on boards and committees. Jean and her husband enjoyed road trips throughout the country, seeing cities, landmarks, and national parks.

Jean loved entertaining and held Christmas Eve open houses for many years. She enjoyed volunteering at her church (Broadway United Methodist) serving as the Wedding Coordinator, and participating in Women’s Ministries. Jean moved to Kingswood Senior Living in Kansas City in 1990, where she continued to host dinner parties, attend facility activities, and was active in the Women’s Auxiliary.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband (John Carden), parents (Mary and Clester German), and siblings (Arnold, Leola, Betty, Lenora, Lawrence, Marjorie, and Leland). She is survived by her sister, Lucille Hodson, children Lisa Kim Carden-Smith (David Smith), and David Carden (Chris Quitno). She is also survived by two grandchildren, Kellen Smith (Hannah), and Sagan Costello-Smith (Thea), four great grandchildren (Saoirse, Ciaran, William, and Alex), her sister-in law, Marlene German, brother-in-law, Glenn Clepper, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Kingswood Senior Living for the all the care and compassion Jean received during her years living there. We thank her lifelong friends through church, and the many friends throughout her life, who gave her joy.

Jean will be remembered at Kingswood in a small memorial at 11:00 a.m. on January 20, 2026, at Kingswood Senior Living in the Westminster Room. (10000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114) A private family gathering will be held later in the spring. Jean will be interred at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri, next to her husband. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jean's honor to Kansas City Hospice Foundation (9001 State Line Road, Suite 300, KCMO, 64114) or through the link on their website.