Alma "Jeanne" Best

Alma “Jeanne” Best, age 85, of Chamois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at her residence. 

Jeanne was born on August 20, 1938, in Chamois, a daughter to the late Francis and Marie (Schowengerdt) Gilbert. 

Jeanne was a 1956 graduate of Fort Osage High School in Independence.

On October 7, 1956, she was united in marriage to William H. Best in Napoleon.  William preceded her in death on November 8, 2020.

Jeanne was employed at Sears in downtown Kansas City.  She later went to work for Bendix Corporation in South Kansas City, being the company’s first woman Engineer.  She retired after 22 years of employment. 

Jeanne was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn, lifetime member of the Eastern Star, Osage County Historical Society, serving on the election committee for Jackson and Osage County, served on the Republican Committee.  She was also known for her weekly article in the Unterrified Democrat called the St. Aubert News.  She took over writing this article from her mother. 

Jeanne enjoyed playing the piano for her church, gardening, being outdoors and picking Dandelions.  She was also a foster parent, and her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family and friends. 

Jeanne is survived by her two children, William (Shelia) Whippo of Nancy, KY., and Christine (Jeffrey Sawyer) Rickey of Warsaw; two brothers, Leroy Gilbert of Blue Springs and David Gilbert of Tuson, AZ.; one sister, Mary Potter of Blue Springs; eleven grandchildren, Amanda, Tom, Rachel, Rocky, Shelby, Billy, Zach, Matthew, Ashley, Ivy and Maximus; eight great grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

In addition to her parents and husband of 64 years, Jeanne was preceded in death by one brother, Leon Gilbert.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Morton Chapel in Linn with Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Kayla Kelly-Beard, officiating. Interment will be held in Oakland Cemetery in Chamois. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)

www.mortonchapel.com