Jean was born Sept 22, 1943. She graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri. She continued her education at the University of Central Missouri and graduated with her masters degree in Education. She taught for many years and then stayed home to raise her children. She returned to the work force and worked at JC Penney's for 10 years.
Jean spent many hours volunteering. She was a volunteer at Birthright for 30 years. Jean also volunteered at St. Regis Catholic Church as a Eucharist minister, Alter Society member, and greeter.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents Ward and Ella Harper, her sister Carolyn Burdett and her son Thomas Kraus.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard Kraus. Her daughter Kathy Tierney and husband Brian Tierney. Her granddaughter Emily Tierney. Her grandson Michael Tierney. Her brother-in-law Bob Burdett and nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held August 2, 2020 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a rosary at 5:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be August 3, 2020 at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Kansas City at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Birthright 6309 Walnut Street, Kansas City MO 64113 or Alzheimer's Association, 3846 West 75th Street, Prairie Village KS 66208