Jean Lucile Kessler Bartlett was born August 25, 1935, the only child of John Kessler and Bessie Harvey Kessler of Lacona, Iowa. She enjoyed a loving childhood there until graduation in 1953, at which time she moved to Des Moines to begin working for Boss Hotels. While in Des Moines, she met, fell in love with, and married Wayne Bartlett and was to have celebrated a 65 ^th Anniversary this year.

The couple welcomed three children to their union, Joan, Gary and Jill, and moved to Indianola where they both lived until their deaths. Jean worked as a bookkeeper, as a police dispatcher, and retired from Meredith Publishing in 1996. She was a fierce cribbage and domino player and watched Jeopardy faithfully. She loved to sing in the church choir and in Sweet Adelines, and entertained her husband by playing the large organ in their home. Jean and Wayne loved to dance together.

After retirement, there were trips to Hawaii, Austria and Cancun and several tours along the east coast. There were trips on their Honda Goldwing and Branson was also a favorite vacation spot. Visiting their children and grandchildren was always special.

Jean resided in and passed from this life at Vintage Hills of Indianola the late evening of August 21, just four days short of her 85 ^th birthday, with family by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Wayne, just five months prior. Her legacy of loyalty and love will live on through those who survive her, Joan (Roger) Nickelson, Gary (Kathy) Bartlett and Jill Bailey; grandchildren, Joel, Juliet, Janelle, Tyler, Jeffrey, Bob, Bennett, and Kessler; and her great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Paige, Benjamin, William, Abigail, TJ and Piper. She will be missed by extended family and many friends.

Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff and caregivers at Vintage Hills and Suncrest Hospice. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at the First Baptist Church in Indianola. Public visitation will be held 10 to 11 a.m, prior to services at the church, using CDC Guidelines. Burial will follow services in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.