Jean Livingston

Jean (Regina Katzer) Livingston, age 86, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at Golden Heights Living Center, Garnett, Kansas. Jean was born to Adolph and Kathrine Katzer on June 7, 1923. She grew up on a farm outside of Greeley, KS, and was the youngest of 9 children. Her brothers and sisters were: Mary, Frank, Agnes, Bernard, Clarence, Arthur, Leo, and Margaret. She was married at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, KS on September 30, 1946 to Jack D. Livingston of Garnett, KS. They raised their family in Greeley, Winfield and Dodge City, KS, making many friends and memories in each community they called home. After Jack retired in 1988, they moved to Topeka to be closer to both families. Jean was preceded in death by her siblings and her husband Jack and sons Terry and Darrell. She is survived by her children Gary (Amanda) Livingston of Spokane, WA; Jack (Margie) D. Livingston of Overland Park, KS; Jeannine Ewart (Roland) of Traverse City, MI; Rachael Livingston of Owasso, OK; and Doug (Barb) Livingston of Lexington, KY. Jean was proud of all 14 of her grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and only lamented that she couldn't spend more time with them. She was a wonderful homemaker and mother and she was full of fun. She liked to dance and play cards, and there was no better moment than when she could celebrate counting the winning points at pitch. And you always knew when she won! (And, she usually did!) She had many friends. Her personality and smile and an occasional "Aiyee" were contagious. She was affectionately known by her Dodge City friends as "Mama Doc". And boy did she enjoy parties and Katzer family reunions! Her nephews and nieces were a great comfort and joy to her in her retirement years at Golden Heights Center in Garnett. What a blessing they and the Center staff were to her over the past 10 years. In spite of challenges and hardships, she was always positive and smiling and she usually had a pointed, funny comment to make. She was quick witted - with a funny line to relieve any seriousness. She also possessed that stubborn Katzer streak that she inherited from her parents and shared with her brothers and sisters that came in very handy in raising seven very independent children. Jean was a wonderful wife, and a great mother, sister, aunt, and mother-in-law. She was adored by all. Jean's smile and presence will be missed. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Holy Angels Cemetery in Garnett. Family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday evening. Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Heights. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com