Clara "Jean" Ansell

Clara “Jean” Ansell, 91, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2021.

She was born November 13, 1929, to Louis Alonzo & Florence Marguerite Howland in Iola, Kansas.   Jean graduated from Iola High School in May 1948.  On November 27, 1948, she married William Frank Troxel.  Together they had three daughters, Linda, Carol, and Patricia.

On November 24, 1973, Jean married Leo Lester Ansell.  She was employed by TWA for over 30 years.   Jean was a board member of the TWA Seniors Club.  She enjoyed travel to Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii.  In later years, she enjoyed travel with her children and grandchildren.  Jean facilitated and hosted the annual Howland Family Reunion in Iola, Kansas for over 25 years.

Jean was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She enjoyed cooking; and won a national 4H award and trip to Chicago when she was in High School.  Jean loved cooking for family events.  Her special love was recreating the candy recipes taught to her by her grandmother.  She enjoyed teaching her daughters the art of candy making.

Jean was a founding member of Meadowbrook Methodist Church, and active in the Women's Guild.  She was a generous, caring person, always willing to help and assist others.  She will be fondly remembered for her love of life, family, and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by Louis A. and Florence M. Howland; brothers, Lewis R. Howland, Paul W. Howland, and John R. Howland; sisters, Margaret E. Hoffman, and Mary E. Howland; son-in-law, Steve Pate; niece, Marilyn E. Prock; husbands, Leo L. Ansell, and William F. Troxel; step-daughter, Angela Cox.

Survivors include daughters, Linda (Jodie) Yinger, Carol (Chris) McClure, and Patricia Pate; grandchildren, Mark Yinger, Erica (Bryan) Heitman, Kevin Steverson, Steven (Debbie) McClure, Mary (Jim) Bunnell, Amanda (Kelli) Pate, Jennifer (Lance) Fletcher, and Heather Pate; great-grandchildren, Cadence, Abrah, Kortney, Elisabeth, and Addison; step-children, Steve (Kathy) Ansell, Rick Ansell, Pam Morris, and Althea Taylor; and 9 step-grandchildren.