Jean M. Schepers

Jean was the loving wife of Ronald J. Schepers; beloved mother of Donna (Bryan, Sr.) Clifford, David Schepers, and Denise (John) Marshall; devoted grandmother of Abigail (Anthony) Ribaudo, Bryan (Anna) Clifford, Jr., Taylor Schepers, Rylee Marshall, and Lawrence Marshall; dear great-grandmother of Roman Ribaudo and Jordan Ribaudo; dear twin sister of Joan (Guy) Ranstead, sister of Herb (Jeanne) Hahn, and the late Shirley (the late Thomas) Kluempers; dear sister-in-law of Sandy (Butch) Rhomberg; dear aunt, great-aunt, and friend to many in her lifetime.

Jean was born in 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri, where she grew up with her brother Herb, sister Shirley and twin sister Joan. Even as a young girl, Jean’s heart was unmistakable. At just ten years old, she and her siblings would quietly shelter stray dogs beneath the porch of their Dogtown home. What began as a childhood act of kindness became a lifelong devotion that would shape who Jean was and how she loved.

That early affection for animals grew into a remarkable life centered around dogs. Jean became a dedicated dog trainer and competitor, immersing herself in dog clubs, shows, and travel related to her passion. She had a gift for understanding animals and an endless capacity to care for them, and she shared that passion generously with others. Dogs were not just a hobby for Jean. They were family, purpose, and joy.

As much as Jean loved dogs, the deepest love of her life was her husband, Ron. They met at the Steak ’n Shake on Hampton in St. Louis, beginning a partnership that would last 58 years. Jean showed her love through fierce loyalty, delivered in a strong-willed and feisty way that Ron cherished completely. She was the apple of his eye, and he adored her with a devotion that never wavered. Theirs was a true love story, through thick and thin.

Jean was a devoted mother to her three children, Donna, David, and Denise, each of whom she loved deeply and was immensely proud of. She passed her lifelong love of animals on to Donna, who shared in many of her dog activities and ultimately turned that passion into a career as a veterinary technician. Denise also inherited her mother’s love for animals, while David was a constant source of pride & joy in Jean's life, especially cheering him loudly on the soccer field and acting as team coordinator.

Jean was a devout Catholic whose faith quietly guided her life, grounding her compassion, strength, and sense of right and wrong. She was deeply caring and attentive to those she loved, balanced by a warm sense of humor and an appreciation for good-natured conversation. Jean and Ron treasured their daily walks, their traveling to the country, and the countless holidays spent surrounded by siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Those moments were filled with laughter, stories, and togetherness.

Above all, Jean was a woman who loved fully. She loved her husband, her family, her faith, and every dog lucky enough to cross her path. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the animals she nurtured, and the enduring love she shared so generously.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 23 from 9-10am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 3130 Parkwood Lane, Maryland Heights MO 63043. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory to the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated by her family. www.alz.org

Please leave a fond memory of Jean for her family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.