Jean Godfrey

Jean B. Godfrey, 96, of Upland, passed away peacefully from this life to her heavenly home on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at University Healthcare Center in Upland.

Born on April 17, 1928, in Finley Lake, New York, Jean was the daughter of the late Alexander and Florence Dorothy (Arnink) Knowles. She enjoyed a cherished childhood on the family farm, making countless happy memories with her brother, Robert Knowles. Jean graduated from Taylor University in 1950 with a degree in Education and began her teaching career in Lansing, Michigan.

In the summer of 1964, while working as a hostess at Winona Lake, she met and married widower Oliver John Godfrey on November 28, 1964. This union made her an instant mother to two children, Jean and David Godfrey. Oliver preceded her in death in 2008. Over the years, Jean dedicated her life to her family, eventually welcoming one more daughter, Martha Ann.

A devoted member of Upland Community Church, Jean served as a Sunday School Teacher and also taught at Jefferson Christian Church in Upland. She was an active Cub Scout Den Mother and enjoyed being a member of the Extension Homemakers Club. Jean participated in numerous women's Bible studies and worked alongside her husband at Freese Printing Shop in the office. A natural leader, she served as class President during her Junior and Senior High School years, and her entire senior class took a memorable trip together to New York City.

Jean's greatest gift was hospitality-she welcomed many around her table through the years, creating bonds of friendship and joy that filled the hearts of those she loved. She delighted in sharing meals, reading, and helping others. Her dedication to caring for her husband during his declining health was a testament to her loving spirit, which radiated God's love to all those around her.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Martha (James) Baker of Marion; grandchildren Heather (Mike) Marlow of Millersburg, IN; Alex (Katie) Ihnen of Cincinnati, OH; Andrew Baker of Madison, WI; and Emmett Baker of Oshkosh, WI; as well as great-grandchildren Lucy, Oscar, Hattie, and Johnny Ihnen; Ainsley and Levi Marlow.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son David Godfrey, daughter Jean Klemczewski, and brother Robert (Lois) Knowles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, located at 259 N. Main St. Upland, IN 46989. Family and friends are welcome to gather from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 15, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM, all at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Fairview Cemetery in Galion, Ohio.

The family would like to thank the staff of University Healthcare Center for the special care they gave Jean while she was at their facility.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Taylor University Class of 1950 Scholarship Fund.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.