Jean Marie Moneymaker (née Jones), a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas, just shy of her 79th birthday. She was born on June 17, 1946, in Gettysburg, South Dakota, to Sylvia Anderson Smith and Eugene Jones. Jean was the oldest of seven children, and she spent her lifetime cherishing her role as the big sister.
Jean’s life was marked by her unwavering kindness and generosity, her infectious laughter, and her deep devotion to her family. Her love for God and her family were central to her life. Family gatherings were incredibly important to her, and for many years she was the enthusiastic organizer of memorable holiday dinners, lively camping trips, and fun-filled cookouts.
A talented self-taught woodworker, Jean, alongside her beloved husband of over 50 years, Don, spent years lovingly refurbishing their home in Atchison, Kansas. Later, they poured their hearts into transforming their dream farmhouse on the Gasconade River into a cherished retreat. It was at this farmhouse that countless treasured memories were made for their children, grandchildren, and extended family. Jean was a pillar of strength and a source of endless support for those she loved.
In recent years, she lived in Lawrence, Kansas near three of her grandchildren, and enjoyed being a part of their day to day lives, enjoying their band recitals, soccer games, and family movie nights.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald R. Moneymaker, her sister Nancy Coldiron, her sister Sharon Poder, her brother Delbert Smith, her sister Yvonne Light and her cherished grandson, Nicholas Moneymaker.
She is survived by her son Andy Moneymaker (Christy) of Warsaw, MO, her daughter Elizabeth Moneymaker (Brenda) of St. Petersburg, FL, her son David Moneymaker of Lawrence, KS, brother Kenneth Smith (Jeanne) of Rolla, her sister Ruth Smith of Rolla her granddaughter Katie Ciurej (Alex) of Detroit, MI, grandson Jason Moneymaker of Springfield, MO, grandson Elijah Moneymaker of Lawrence, KS, grandson Miles Moneymaker of Lawrence, KS, and grandson Leo Moneymaker of Lawrence, KS. Her memory will be forever treasured by her surviving family and friends. Jean’s legacy of love and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A memorial service will be held on June 17, 2025 at Null & Sons Funeral Home, 1010 Kings Highway, Rolla, MO 65401. Visitation at 1 p.m. with service at 2 p.m.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jean had become a part of our family, too (the Jarretts), joining in on several of our special occasions, especially Mom’s epic July 4th celebrations. And of course our families came together for Moneymaker birthdays and graduations and such. You could tell she adored her grandkids and she was always enjoyable to be around. I know she will be greatly missed! My heart goes out to the entire family, as do my prayers.
Prayers for the family
I feel so blessed that I got to have Jean as part of my life due to her son David marrying my niece Jacy and bringing the three boys in to existence. We often times, when we were all in Lawrence, mMy mom included did a lot of family get togethers together, so we felt like extended family no matter❣️I was always included in things that went on with their family and at her home and I truly appreciated that❣️ Her memory will live on. We all have another angel now to watch over us. God Bless you all.
David, so sorry for the loss of your mother. May she rest in the peace of the Lord.
I enjoyed having her as a substitute teacher at Mclouth High-school. She made all of us laugh and brought joy to everyone she taught. I will miss hearing her voice.
Save me a seat Jean.