Jean Heston

Jean Laurene Heston, 93, of Indianola, passed away peacefully at her home on April 6.

Jean was born on February 20, 1933, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Irvin Ward Peterson and Laurene L. Waychoff Peterson. She was later joined by her siblings, Robert Peterson, Nancy Peterson Handley, and Sally Peterson Wilkerson, completing the family.

On September 3, 1948, Jean married Robert Roy Heston. Soon after, they welcomed four children-Steve, Sheryl, Sarlynn, and Scott. The couple built their first home on Douglas Avenue, just blocks from Jean's childhood home. After purchasing the lot, they discovered it included the original abstract from her family's 1854 homestead-an amazing connection to the original 400 acres of family land.

In 1959, Jean and Bob moved their family to Carlisle, where they lived until 1997. When Bob fully retired, they moved to their farm near Derby. While raising their children, Jean and Bob cherished time spent camping, fishing, hunting, and enjoying family life. Their love of the Iowa State Fair, where they met, continued during their marriage. At their Derby farm, they farmed the land and raised horses-something Jean deeply enjoyed. Jean lost Bob on July 29, 2005.

In 2007, Jean built her current home north of Indianola and proudly told her family it would be her final move. There, she enjoyed spending time with family, watching the horses, and remaining firmly in charge of her own life-true to her determined and independent spirit.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 2005; her daughter, Sheryl, in July 2019; and her son, Steve, in March 2020.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarlynn; her son, Scott (Deb); her granddaughter, Michelle; and her sister, Sally Wilkerson (Bob). She is also survived by Brent Fees (Tracy), Brian Fees (Julie), Scott Fees (Ashley), Cheyanne Rawson, Shiloh Rawson (Adam), as well as multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

In keeping with Jean's generous nature and strong sense of purpose, she graciously donated her remains to Des Moines University to support medical education and advancement.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 12th at 4pm at Calvary Chapel of Des Moines, 606 E 9th St, Des Moines IA. There will be a brief memorial service followed by a fellowship gathering to celebrate Jean's life.