Jeanette Emma Andreae, 88, died peacefully at the Israel Family Hospice House on February 27, 2016. A gathering of friends and family will be 4:00-6:00 p.m. Monday, February 29th at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames. A celebration of life memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday March 1st at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 209 Colorado Ave in Ames. Inurnment will take place at the church columbarium.
Known to friends and family as "J" and much of the Ames Community as "the bookmobile lady" she was one of five children of parents Glen Jones and Ruby Goldie Stockdale. Born March 27, 1927 in Lime Springs, Iowa she spent her childhood years on the family farm. Perhaps it was there that she developed here strong work ethic and commitment to serving others, which continues to inspire her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Choosing the not so common path for women at that time of working both in and outside the home, she at various times was a nurse's aide, a teacher, and was one of the early innovators of the "Book Mobile" outreach program for the Ames Library. If she allowed herself to feel proud it was likely when she would see children and adults alike develop a love for reading with the assistance of the Library services. It was in this position that she was able to share her love of books and service to others with the community. The outreach programs and her volunteerism often allowed her to choose and deliver books to those that otherwise might go without.
On June 11, 1951 she would marry John H. Andreae and by 1955 they were making what would be their lifelong home in Ames, Iowa. They were among the earliest members of St. Andrew's Lutheran church and would make that community a large part of their life for the next 6 decades. She enjoyed being part of choir, teaching Sunday school for over 35 years, and the fellowship of both the newest members and those whose families she watched grow. She was an executive board member of AIOFA, University Librarian Board, Beloit Board, Good Neighbor Board, and Altrusa Service Club.
"J" was practical and somewhat frugal in her own lifestyle but her generosity to others was seemingly limitless as her many preparations and deliveries of food, encouragement and assistance seemed to always be part of her days. She continued to volunteer many hours to the community, her church and her family well into her 80's.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Rowley (Mike) of Clive, and Jeanne Updegraff (Dave) of Dubuque, grandchildren; Tim Rowley, David Rowley, Angie Roling (Ben), and Mark Updegraff, great-grandchildren Joshua, Gabby, Austin and two sisters Olive Walker (John) of Urbandale, Marilyn Moen (Ron) of Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, a sister, and husband John in 2010.
The family would like to thank the many neighbors, friends, St Andrews members and hospice staff that have been so helpful. Special thanks also to Dr. Nassif and Dr. Merchant for their years of care and caring.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Ames, Iowa. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com