Mary Jean (Jeanny) Galbreath, 94, of Frankfort, passed away at Wesley Manor, Tuesday, January 1, 2019. She was born November 12, 1924, in Middletown, Ohio, to James Leslie and Lorma (Garmhausen) Gossard. Jeanny married Paul J. Galbreath on May 15, 1944, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Paul passed away on December 12, 2018.
Jeanny graduated with an associate’s degree from Lees-McRae College. She loved children, and cared for more than 30 foster children in their home in Granger, IN. She also supported children by knitting mittens, being an active parent at schools for nearly 30 years, mission work through church, and working as Mrs. Claus and the Easter Bunny at an Elkhart mall. She was named “Mother of the Year” for Indiana for 1989. Jeanny was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Elkhart, IN for over 50 years, then of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort. She was also a volunteer for Ko-op 65 Inc., a family services organization, assisting with food collection and pantry services for the community.
Jeanny is survived by her children, James (Beth) Galbreath of Woodridge, IL; Kerry (Scott) Kiphart of Frankfort, IN; Kristine (Robert) Stark of Elkhart, IN; Susan (Russ) Kyle of Elkhart, IN; John (Karen) Galbreath of White, GA; and Lori (Dave) Blackburn of Walkerton, IN; sister-in-law Zelma Gossard; six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 74 years, Paul, her parents, sister, Betty (George) Stallings, brothers, James and William Gossard, and an infant son, Kurt Galbreath.
Memorials in Jeanny’s name may be made to Heifer International or to the Indiana Audubon Society.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Wesley Manor Amanda Reid Chapel from 10:00 a.m. to the start of the celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort.
Online condolences may be made at www.gendafuneralhome.com.