Passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the age of 86. Jean was born on May 21, 1940, to the late Leo and Gladys Polete (née O’Keefe).
Jean was the beloved wife of the late Don White. They married in 1961 and shared nearly 60 years together before his passing in 2021. She is survived by their children, Robin (Michael) Ebers, Douglas (Marcia) White, Kimberley White-Mengis, and Cari White; her cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Christopher (Olivia), Zech, Laura (Alex), Kyle, Peyton, Jack, Luke, and Matt; and her great-grandchildren, Harrison and Shiloh. She also leaves behind her much-loved and spoiled dog, Simon.
Jean loved telling stories about her family and growing up in south St. Louis with her sisters, nieces and nephews. Her four sisters were a large part of her life. She is survived by her sister Rosemary (the late Leo) Woods and was preceded in death by her sisters Helen (Irving) Crowley, Emma (Cecil) Harp, and Dorothy (Dale) Nuckolls. Jean was also a dear cousin, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, and friend.
Born in St. Louis, Jean graduated from McKinley High School and married Don in 1961. She did production work for companies including National Graphics, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Nestlé. She enjoyed watching Cardinals baseball, attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, listening to music, reading romance novels, ordering a drink at any event she attended, getting her nails done, watching a good movie or TV series, visiting with relatives and friends, and having long talks about the people and things she loved.
Services: Visitation will be held at Kutis South County Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129, on Sunday, September 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held in late October or early November; details will be shared when available.