Jeanne Marie Werth, age 69, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in WaKeeney, Kansas, and graduated from Trego County High School in 1975. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, James. Together, they raised four daughters and a life to be proud of.
Jeanne was a woman of quiet strength who gave her whole heart to her family. Alongside James, she created a home filled with love, laughter, unwavering support, and a deep faith in God that will carry their family forward for generations. She took great pride in her daughters and found endless joy in her grandchildren and their accomplishments.
Jeanne developed a strong relationship with her parish family at St. Paul the Apostle in Pueblo West. You could find her ushering at the 7:30 am Mass most Sunday mornings. She also taught religious education classes when her daughters and grandchildren were receiving their Sacrament of First Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Jeanne’s hard work, determination, and leadership carried her through a successful career at McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance, where she rose through the ranks and eventually retired from a management position. She took great pride in the career she built.
In her free time, Jeanne found joy in camping, painting, crafting, baking, sewing, fishing, and she especially loved preparing incredible meals for her family. Her meatballs were award-winning, and her sourdough starter had just celebrated its first birthday. Jeanne also had a love for travel, and a life-changing trip to Italy with her family three years ago brought her countless cherished memories and drew her even closer to her Catholic faith. Her incredible spirit and zest for life was inspiring to all around her.
Jeanne is survived by her husband, James Werth of Pueblo West, Colorado; her daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca and Steve Drew of Las Vegas, Nevada; Andrea and Jeremy Alvarez of Pueblo, Colorado; Jamie and Jason Wunneburger of Richland, Washington; and Ashley and Jermey Martin of Richland, Washington. She was an incredible grandmother and is lovingly remembered by her ten grandchildren: Kaleb, Madeline, James, Amelia, Clara, Stella, Jack, Alexandra, Hunter, and Isla, all of whom adored her.
She is also survived by her mother, Jackie Steckline of Ogallah, Kansas; her siblings, Darryl Steckline of Ogallah, Kansas; Sandy and Kevin Bittel of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Brenda and Mike Zemanick of Inman, South Carolina; Ron and Cynthia Steckline of Claremore, Oklahoma; Lori and Ray Dechant of Dodge City, Kansas; LaVon and Tony Wagoner of Paola, Kansas; and Amy and Justin Choitz of Hays, Kansas; her mother-in-law, Cordula Werth of Park, Kansas; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her daughter, Emily; her grandson, Joshua Drew; her nephew, Curtis Dechant; her father, Leroy Steckline; her sister-in-law, Karen Harvey; and her father-in-law, Edward Werth.