Jeanne Giles

Jeanne Giles, age 82, of Lincoln, died December 24, 2018, at Southlake Village under the loving care of Kindred Hospice. Jeanne Giles was born October 3, 1936, in Sioux City, IA to Harmon and Esther (Rosofsky) Barton. The family moved to Omaha in 1941, where Jeanne attended school and graduated from South High School in 1954. Jeanne married Robert L. Giles on May 11, 1956, at Wheeler Memorial Presbyterian Church in Omaha. To this union three daughters were born, Jennifer Sue, Julie Lynne, and Janine Ann.

Jeanne attended Omaha University, now the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and received a BS in Journalism May 1958 and a BS in Elementary Education August 1961. She returned to school and earned an MS in Elementary Education in August 1976 from UNO and received an MS in Speech-Language Pathology in August 1994 from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

In 1961, the family moved to San Anselmo, California, where Robert (Bob) attended San Francisco Theological Seminary. Jeanne taught school at Novato, California. The family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada during seminary so Bob could complete an internship. The family moved back to San Anselmo, and Bob graduated from seminary in 1965.

In 1965, the family moved to Falls City, Nebraska where Bob accepted his first call to the First United Presbyterian Church. Jeanne taught preschool at the church before starting at Falls City Public Schools where she taught for seven years. Jeanne taught at Southeast Consolidated, Stella, Nebraska for eleven years.

Jeanne ended her teaching career as a Speech-Language Pathologist at ESU No. 4, Lincoln and Waverly Public Schools, Unadilla Community Schools, Sterling Public Schools, Palmyra-Bennet Public Schools, and South Sioux City Public Schools.

Jeanne was an avid writer and photographer starting at Omaha South High School and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She also wrote for Mutual of Omaha, Presbyterians Today, Lincoln Journal-Star, The Falls City Journal, and The Homesteader, a publication of Homestead Presbytery, PCUSA.

Jeanne was also a member of Sweet Adelines International, the Presbyterian Writers Guild, Reading Groups, NSLP (National Speech-Language Pathology), Campfire Girls President/Co-President, PCUSA General Assembly Delegate, Member of the Session, Coordinator for New Pastors, Outstanding Presbyterian Award, Summer Repertoire Theater, Synod Delegate, Choir Director in Falls City, Children’s Ministry Choir Director in Falls City, Member of Westminster, The Landing Choir Member, Band Parents.

The family loved to travel, and a highlight was a trip to Alaska with Bob for their 40th Anniversary. They also traveled to many National Parks and Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, New Mexico. Jeanne traveled to the Hawaiian Islands with her good friend, Nancy Meeker.

Jeanne loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She devoted one wall of every home to photos of her grandchildren.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Robert Giles; mother and step-father, Esther and Bob Steinwart; father and step-mother, Harmon and Sadie Barton; brother-in-law John Yacio; and Molly St. Joan of Bark, her beloved dachshund.

Jeanne is survived by her children: Jennifer (Dick) James, Verdon, NE, Julie (Mark) Hopp, Dunbar, NE, Janine (Russ) McClintock, Roca, NE; Grandchildren: Sarah James, Papillion, Chris Hopp, Omaha, David (Ally) Hopp, Omaha, Matthew (Bridgette) James, Lincoln, Kyle (Marisa) McClintock, Elkhorn, Brandon (Jordan) McClintock, Lincoln, Zach (Emily) McClintock, Hickman. Great-grandchildren: Moira Hopp, and Rook McClintock; siblings: Larry Barton (Lindy Platt), Omaha; Eddie (Kay) Sebron, Henderson, NV; Judy Yacio, Euless. TX; Frank Sebron (Judy), Omaha; Nick (Diana) Barton, Richmond, TX; Ardi (Don) Blazek, Omaha.

Graveside Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday,  (12-29-18) Hopewell Cemetery, Unadilla, NE.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday (12-29-18) Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2110 Sheridan Blvd. with Rev. Dr. Valerie Putnam officiating.

Memorials to Westminster Presbyterian Church, PCUSA Theological Education Fund or a church that Pastor and Mrs. Giles had served.

Visitation from 3-8 p.m. Friday with family present from 6-7:30 p.m. at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street.

Condolences online at Roperandsons.com.

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