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Jeanette
Coffman
September 15, 1943 – December 18, 2024
Jeanette V. Coffman, 81, passed away peacefully with her husband, Steve, by her bedside on December 18, 2024. She had been courageously battling Parkinson's disease for the last five years.
Jeanette was born in Ransom, Kansas, on September 15, 1943, to Edward and Mary Vogel. She graduated from Ness City High School and went on to attend business college in Salina, Kansas, for two years. In 1962, Jeanette began her career as a typist at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. It was there she met Steve Coffman, a young Army serviceman stationed at Fort Leavenworth. After Steve was sent to Germany just months after their first date, they continued their relationship by mail for two years, during which they became engaged. They married on April 4, 1964, in Ness City, Kansas.
Following their marriage, Jeanette and Steve settled on Cherry Street in Kansas City, Missouri, where they raised their two children, Brett and Shannon. Jeanette took immense pride in being a devoted mother. She created a warm and loving home filled with laughter, good food, and cherished traditions. The family celebrated joyful holidays together, often hosting memorable gatherings with neighbors and friends. Cherry Street became a hub of community and love, with Jeanette at its heart.
Jeanette balanced family life with a successful career. She worked for the General Services Administration (GSA) as a buyer for 23 years before joining Steve at Coffman Associates Inc., an airport planning firm, in 1986. As Chief Executive Officer, she helped build the company into one of the most respected airport planning firms in the nation, managing operations with precision and grace until her retirement in 2012.
Jeanette was a spirited adventurer with an insatiable love for world travel. Over her remarkable life, she visited all 50 U.S. states, explored 24 countries, and journeyed across four continents. Jeanette's travels often included cruises, her favorite way to see the world. She cherished the opportunity to immerse herself in new cultures and landscapes, capturing memories that would last a lifetime. Among her most treasured experiences was taking her entire family on unforgettable tours of the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, sharing her passion for discovery with her loved ones.
Since 2013, Jeanette and Steve split their time between Lee's Summit, Missouri, during the summers, and Green Valley, Arizona, in the winters. Jeanette formed lasting friendships in both places, sharing her love of golf, tennis, and lively card games with those around her. She was a vibrant and active woman who continued to pursue her passions well into her late 70s.
Jeanette was the proud mother of Brett Coffman, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and has three children: Ian (27), Quinn (24), and Megan (20). She is also survived by her daughter Shannon Churchill, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska, her husband Jeff Churchill, and their twin sons, Will (21) and Xander (21). Jeanette's family was her pride and joy, and she always cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews also hold dear memories of Jeanette's humor and energy, even when she chased them out of the house after a lively visit.
Known for her quick wit and sharp sense of humor, Jeanette had the ability to light up any room. Her infectious laugh and kind spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be remembered for her love, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her family. Jeanette's legacy of love and laughter will live on through her family and the countless lives she touched.
Visitation will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City Kansas on December 27, 2024 to celebrate her remarkable life. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Ness City, KS on December 28, 2024 followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Words of comfort and support may be left for the family by signing the guestbook.
Fitzgerald Funeral Home
Starts at 6:00 pm
Sacred Heart Church
Starts at 10:30 am
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