Jean A. Ternus

Jean Ann Ternus, 76, of Roeland Park, KS passed away on November 29, 2020. Visitation will be 9:30 am - 10:10 am, with Rosary Service at 10:10 am on Thursday, December 10th at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7023 W. 71st Street, Overland Park, KS. Memorial Mass will follow the Rosary, Thursday at the Church. Inurnment in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Overland Park, KS or St. Pius X Catholic Church, Mission, KS.

Jean was born on February 29, 1944 in Columbus, NE. She was raised in Humphrey, NE, a small town about 100 miles west of Omaha, NE. She was a member of the Glee Club and Pep Club at St. Francis High School from which she graduated in 1962. She earned her BS in Nursing from Mount Marty College in Yankton, S.D. in 1966. Jean worked at Bryon Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, NE for a short time before she took a position at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. With her roommate planning to marry, Jean transferred to the VA Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Shortly thereafter, she transferred to Houston, TX to pursue and complete a cardiovascular nurse specialist course. Upon completion of the course, Jean returned to Kansas City. In 1973, she took a nursing faculty position at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC). She earned a Master's Degree in Adult Education from Kansas State University in 1977. In 2012, Jean retired from her teaching position at KCKCC. Medical Surgical nursing was Jean’s specialty, but she also greatly enjoyed cardiovascular nursing. She was able to complete cardiovascular nursing courses at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, KS. At this time, Dr. Hughes Day, who opened the first cardiac care unit (CCU) in the United States at Bethany was on the hospital staff. During her last three years with KCKCC, Jean taught nursing skills in the skills lab at the college. She greatly enjoyed working with the students and watching their response to the curriculum. As a certified instructor Jean also provided CPR training. Jean was active on the faculty senate for several years, including serving as president of the senate. She served as a member of the editorial board of the college E-Journal. Jean was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Honor Society for Nursing, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Honor Society for teachers, KNEA, and the American Heart Association.

Jean was a long time member of Queen of the Holy Rosary parish in Overland Park, KS. She was active in numerous parish ministries including parish Eucharistic minister, hospital and outreach ministry, Prayer Chain, Music Ministry, Queen’s Ladies, and Adoration Chapel. She enjoyed all her ministries, but the music ministry was very special to Jean. Jean was a member of the parish choir and funeral choir for many years. She was the greeter with a smile and hello when new members joined the choir. Jean made sure each member of the choir received a birthday card. Jean assisted in selecting music for the parish Masses throughout the liturgical year. She was quick to select uplifting music and excited about learning new pieces to sing throughout the year.

Since 1996, Jean was a Benedictine Oblate with Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS. She enjoyed the monthly gatherings of her oblate group. It was difficult when she was no longer able to make the trip to Atchison. After a long absence, Zoom came to the rescue allowing Jean to gather with oblates across the states in October 2020 for the annual Oblate Renewal Day.

Jean’s commitment to the Benedictine values of prayer, humility, hospitality, and stability were exemplified in Jean’s personal life, her nursing career, and parish ministries. Jean will be missed by many and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Her smile and laugh were infectious and legendary. Her hugs were tight and her words kind. Jean was loved and will be missed by many.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Marcella (Huntemer) Ternus; brother, Jim Ternus; twin sister, Joan Ternus; sister, Katherine Ternus and niece, Tressa Ternus. Survivors include her sister, Mari Huhman (Jim), Columbus, NE; sister, Margaret “Muffy” Semerad (Ralph), Bennington, NE; brother, John Ternus (Carol), Columbus, NE and nine nieces and nephews.