Jean Marie Stetler

Jean Marie Stetler, 81, of Ventura, passed away, Wednesday afternoon, July 31, 2013, at Ventura County Medical Center, following complications from a lengthy illness. She was born November 1, 1931 in Leavenworth, Kansas to Alfred and Mercedes (Galend) Kunz and had been a Ventura County resident for over 68 years.

Jean moved to Ventura in 1946 and graduated with her 12th grade class from Ventura Junior College in 1949. She married James L. Jennings, Jr. in 1950 and settled in Oak View where she and her husband raised their two daughters, Debbie and Valarie, until his passing in 1967. Jean worked as a medical office manager for many years, primarily for the office of Dr. Roger Munger in Ventura. In 1977, Jean found love again and married Donnell G. Stetler, living in wedded bliss until his passing in 2000. Jean lived a very full life filled with tremendous love and her loyalty and devotion to her family and friends could not be matched.

Jean was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She loved Mexican food, spending time with her family, reading Danielle Steele novels, watching her stories, and working crossword puzzles. She was not allowed into a family gathering without bringing her chili cheese bread, deviled eggs, or burritos (preferably all of the above). One of her favorite things to do was spend long days laughing with her beloved siblings as well as going on “sister weekends.” Her family all agrees that her laugh and the twinkle in her eyes could light up a room.

Jean is survived by her devoted daughter and caregiver, Debbie (Mark) Adams of Ventura, daughter, Valarie Walton of Ventura; grandson, Joshua McClester of Santa Rosa, granddaughter, Dianna (David) Wilke of Mesa, Arizona, grandson, Joel (Rhea) McClester of Ventura, granddaughter, Lindsay Young of Ventura, granddaughter, Janelle Walton of Ventura; great-grandchildren, Austin, Aaron, Nicholas, Ryan, Xander, and Henry. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, sister, Patricia (Bert) Wilson of Ventura, sister, Carol Shamblin of Carpinteria, sister, Penny (Chuck) Eskew of Ventura, sister, Mary (Loyd) Coppenger of Yucaipa, sister, Chris (David) Corrente of Ventura, and brother, David (Peggy) Kunz of Ojai; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jean will also be missed by her lifelong friends, Niles and Barbara Dugan, of Bakersfield.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Mercedes, her beloved husband, Don Stetler, her grandson, James Aaron Adams, and her brother and sister-in-law, James (Al) and Barbara Kunz.

Visitation will be from 3pm until 5pm, Sunday, August 4, 2013, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Graveside services will take place Monday, August 5, 2013, 2:00pm, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, where Jean will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband. The services will be officiated by Pastor Dave Hall of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.