Jean Ann Gottman

Jean Ann Gottman, 85, of Taylor, MO, passed away at 2:43 AM, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Baptist Homes of Shelbina in Shelbina, MO.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra, MO. Pastor Wes Gehrke will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.

Friends and Family are invited to Jean’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ball-Davis Funeral Home in Ewing, MO.

Jean was born November 21, 1939, in Rock Island, IL, to Carl Samuel Hicks Jr. and Grace Alphonsus Springer Hicks. She was married to Morris Joseph “Joe” Gottman, June 1, 1957, in Rock Island, IL. He preceded her in death November 18, 2022.

Jean leaves behind her children; a daughter Jo (Paul) Mabry of Quincy, IL, a daughter Jacqueline (Rodney) Tiemann of Philadelphia, MO, a son Jeffrey (Tammy) Gottman of Foley, AL, a daughter Jill (Matthew) Dennis of Broomall, PA, a son Jay (Stacy) Gottman of Maywood, MO; seven grandchildren; Grace Mabry, Hailey (JJ) Chatfield, Brace (Isabelle) Tiemann, Jack Dennis, Josephine Dennis, Tanner Tiemann, Tessa Tiemann, three great grandchildren; Finn Hudelson, Jaden Chatfield, and Hadlee Chatfield; two sisters; Mary Verscheure of Cambridge, IL, and Carol Hicks of Rock Island, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe, her sisters, Virginia Houchin and Donna Koellner.

A proud graduate of Rock Island High School in Rock Island, IL. After completing her education, Jean married her beloved Joe. Together, they built a life on their farm in Taylor, MO, celebrating 65 years of marriage. Jean’s role as a devoted wife and mother was at the center of her world.

In her younger years, Jean’s joy for life was evident in her love for square dancing. She not only danced but also crafted her own dresses, and later, she continued to express her creativity by making formal dresses and Halloween costumes. Her competitive spirit shone through in the card games she played with Joe and their family, always playing to win and reveling in the thrill of the game.

Jean often had a sweet tooth, with a particular fondness for gummy bears, licorice or Hershey’s minis. An avid reader, she found solace and excitement in the pages of mystery novels and cherished passages from her Bible. Her intellect was further engaged by the challenge of crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

Her home reflected her passions, adorned with collections of elephants and angels, each piece with its own story, often found through her love of thrifting or savvy shopping. Jean enjoyed opportunities to dine out with Joe, family and friends.

Jean’s presence will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Jean was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aid group in Palmyra, MO. Jean and Joe ensured that their children grew up in church.

Pallbearers will be Jay Gottman, Stacy Gottman, Brace Tiemann, Grace Mabry, Hailey Chatfield, and JJ Chatfield.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Gottman and Kevin Gottman.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.