Ruby Jean Canole

Jean, as everyone called her, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 94 at Primrose Retirement Community in Platte Woods, MO where she had been residing for seven years.

She was born the first of two daughters to Harold (Pappy) Weidman and Lillian (Mimi) Finley in Kansas City, MO, on August 24, 1931. She married Eugene Scarbourgh in 1949, and to the union were born three children: Susan Diane, Cheryl Ann, and Steven Lee. She later married Oscar (Bug) Highlander Jr from Platte City, MO, and moved there. After Bug’s death in 1987, she married William Neal Canole from Platte City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, a sister, Debbie Moon, and daughters, Susan Stewart and Cheryl Wright.

Jean grew up in the Independence, MO area, graduating from Blue Springs High School in 1948. In the 1950s, she worked for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. After moving to Platte City, she worked with her family, who leased the gas station, restaurant, and Siesta Motel at the junction of Main Street, HH Highway, and I-29. In 1965, she went to work for the Lewis Motor Company, which later became Larry Lewis Motors. The business was located on Main Street in Platte City. Lewis sold to Sonny Hill Motors, and she relocated with the company to the hill “Under the big orange water tower.” After Sonny Hill sold, she continued to do title work for smaller independent dealers until 2023. All told, she worked in the automotive title business for 58 years.

The last few years of her life were spent at Primrose retirement Community where she served for several years as a Resident Ambassador, helping new residents get acquainted with their new home. She was greatly loved by the staff there.

She is survived by a son, Steve Highlander and wife Renee of Independence, MO; sons-in-law Rod Stewart of Atlanta, GA, and Monte Wright of Platte City, and brother-in-law, Mike Moon of Gladstone, MO, twelve grandchildren, and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.

Jean was the family anchor, her children and grandchildren looked to her for comfort and wisdom throughout their lives. They all could count on her unconditional love and persistent prayers. She will be sorely missed by all who know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 11, 1PM at First Baptist Church, 17385 Highway 371 in Platte City, MO

(The family suggests a donation to Wayside Waifs, Animal Shelter and Adoption Agency in lieu of flowers. You may donate online at WaysideWaifs.org.)