Jean Marie (nee Rentz) Schnebelen went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 21, 2024, after a 7-year battle with dementia. She passed quickly and peacefully into the hands of her Savior. Jean was born on Monday, June, 1934 in Kent, Ohio to Jay & (Florence) Marie (nee Murphy) Rentz of Kent, Ohio. She was the third child of five. Jean's father worked for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, and they moved frequently. She recalled feeling as though she was always starting a new school before having time to make friends. Jean was an excellent student and went to work immediately following high school as a telephone operator at the local phone company, where she quickly made friends and enjoyed frequent outings to NYC.

Jean met her spouse, Eugene (Gene) of 67 years in high school; Gene was a good friend of her brother Jim's. She also met her dearest life-long friend ('sister') Marie Bohm and Marie's future husband John Hascup. Jean & Gene wed after Gene got out of the Navy in 1956. They settled in an apartment in Saddle Brook, near their 'besties' Marie & John. Jean gave birth to her first child in June of 1957, and changed careers to be a full-time Mom and Household Engineer.

Jean was an excellent gardener, an avid baker, and a wonderful seamstress. She taught herself to knit and crochet, and she made many of her children's clothes during their childhood.

Jean & Gene later purchased property and built their first home in Oak Ridge, NJ. They shared many wonderful adventures with Marie & John, whose 3 boys were close in age to Jean & Gene's 3 daughters. The families took many vacations camping in St. Augustine, FL and shared numerous other special occasions, which their children will cherish forever. Jean was passionate about her family, and annual trips to Ohio to be with her parents, brothers & sisters and their families were a welcome departure from the 'normal' routine. Jean taught Sunday School at the United Methodist Church in Newfoundland, NJ. In later years, she worked at various jobs – when Gene could stand her being out of the house – as a secretary. She always enjoyed helping and serving others.

Jean belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Community Fire Company of Oak Ridge/Newfoundland, and served many years there, organizing & participating in square dances, dinners, and other events. She served alongside Gene at the annual Firemen's Fair for many years. Jean enjoyed drawing and painting; and the neighborhood children were enamored with the elaborate window paintings she did for Easter, Christmas and other holidays. She always painted 'backwards' so that the best view was from the street, looking toward the house. Jean took great pride in her many flower gardens, which added tremendous 'curb appeal' to their home. Jean enjoyed bowling and participated in league bowling for a number of years, earning a trophy for 'best bowler.'

Jean & Gene relocated to DeLand, FL in 1991 following Gene's retirement. They enjoyed their local church, hosting Bible study, gardening, traveling, and spending time with their family during their retirement years. They drove up to NJ to pick up their eldest – and only, for a time – granddaughter and take her on a road trip, experiencing all kinds of fun activities en route to their home in FL. Jean was a doting grandmother, lavishing all her love on her grandchildren and traveling to visit them as often as possible.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, who passed in January, 2024, as well as her two brothers – Jack and Jim. She is survived by her loving children – Nancy (Roger) of SC; Donna; Linda (Frank) of FL; and Jeffrey (Davida) of NC; and her grandchildren Sarah of ME; Jeffrey, Jr. of MA; Matthew of NC; and Kailee of NC. She is also survived by two birth sisters – Judith and Janet – and her 'adopted' sister Marie as well as nieces & nephews in Ohio and Florida and her 'adopted' nephews – John & Marie's sons.

The family has decided against a memorial service for Jean; rather, they will assemble at a later date in a much-treasured location where many family camping trips were enjoyed to share their fondest memories and celebrate Jean's life as she would have – surrounded by family.

In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, please send a donation to VITAS Hospice, who lovingly
cared for Jean at home and during her brief stay in assisted living. Please feel free to use this link for
donations: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E232399&id=1

Condolences may be shared with the Family here on our online guestbook ( www.cardwellfuneral.com )

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Cardwell Baggett & Summers Funeral Home, 301 Big Tree Road, South Daytona, Florida 32119.