The family of LeJane Dillivan, 91, of Jefferson, formerly of Rippey, honors her upon her death.
LeJane Johnson Dillivan was born September 21, 1927, in Greene County at a family farm near Grand Junction. She was the youngest of three children born to Ray Johnson and Mary Ellen Thompson Johnson.
LeJane was a lifelong resident of Greene County, growing up and raising her family near Rippey. She graduated from Rippey High School in 1945 and worked at the First National Bank in Rippey after graduation. She was joined in marriage in 1950 to Maurice Lloyd Dillivan at the Rippey United Methodist Church.
LeJane worked side by side with Maurice on the family farm south of Rippey. Working harder than most, LeJane took the role of mother and farm wife in stride. The family farm she built with her husband involved a variety of livestock and crops, including raising five children and cultivating a deep love of gardening and flowers that she carried with her throughout life. Her family fondly recalls many beloved recipes from her years of cooking and baking at the farm for every holiday, gathering, or event.
After retiring from the farm, LeJane and Maurice moved into Jefferson.
LeJane valued family above all else. She was a devoted mother, a loving wife, and adoring grandmother. Her life was full of love and will be treasured forever in the memories of her family.
LeJane Dillivan passed away March 23, 2019, at the Greene County Medical Center. She was 91 years of age. Preceding her in death were her parents; loving husband of 68 years, Maurice; sisters Nadine Johnson Anderson (Walter) and Maxine Johnson; niece Kristine Anderson Goodwin (Courtney); and infant niece Deborah Anderson.
LeJane is survived by her children Angela Dillivan Brown, Andrea Dillivan (Don) McFayden, Brenda Dillivan (Stan) Kiner, Kim (Mary) Dillivan, and Lori Dillivan (Todd) Minnihan; grandchildren Jessica Kiner, Ivan Kiner, Emily Kiner, Aaron Brown, Heather McFayden, Meredith McFayden Emery (BJ), Jennifer McFayden, Heidi Minnihan, Zach Minnihan, Ben Minnihan, Grant Dillivan, Natalie Dillivan, and three great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
LeJane’s wishes were that her remains be deeded to the University of Iowa to the benefit of students in their continued education. A private family burial will be held at a later date at the Rippey cemetery where LeJane will be laid to rest and rejoined with her husband.
The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
