Obituaries

Jean Makela

Jean E. Makela, 81, of Fulton, formerly of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2011, at Presbyterian Manor in Fulton, with her children by her side. She was born October 31, 1930, in Denver, Colo., the daughter of Dr. James Earl Russell Jr. and Olive Ingalls Kennedy. Jean graduated as a Registered Nurse from Denver University. She worked as an RN at Rebsamen Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Ark. At age 40, she earned a BS degree in Special Education of the Deaf at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She then taught high school chemistry and earth science at the Arkansas School for the Deaf. Jean was a very talented artist. She loved growing and sharing irises and making jam. She was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Arkansas Razorbacks and Atlanta Braves. She enjoyed camping and fishing at Cloud Nine Ranch in Caulfield, Mo. She is survived by one son, Richard D. Makela Jr. and special friend Pam Hensley of Fulton; two daughters, Tyyna Bailey and husband Robert of Fulton and Tammy Gillespie and husband Thomas, also of Fulton; eight grandchildren, Greg Parris, Tim Parris, Caitlin Gillespie, Kelly Gillespie, Sarah Bailey Allred, Sannah Bailey, Olivia Bailey and Laura Bailey; she had many nieces and nephews, and was especially close to the Seewald family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, James E. Russell III; and three sisters, Agnes Russell, Marcia Stewart and Ann Seewald. Funeral services will be held at Debo Funeral Home in Fulton on Saturday, November 26, at 2 p.m. with Robert Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Entombment will follow at a later date at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Arkansas. In honor of Jean's love of nursing, the family suggests donations be made in Jean's name to the Fulton Presbyterian Manor Education Assistance Fund, c/o Debo Funeral Home, P.O. Box 818, Fulton, MO 65251.

Published November 22, 2011