Jean Hardy

Jean Ellen Hardy, 80, of Desloge, passed away peacefully at her home December 7, 2022, in the early hours, with her husband of 58 years, Dr. Stanton Lee Hardy, at her side. A sixth generation Missourian, with roots based in St. Francois County for over 220 years, she was born in Ironton, to the late Garland Jasper Marler and Mary Elizabeth (Robinson) Marler on February 18, 1942. Jean was a proud member of the Memorial United Methodist Church of Farmington. She was a graduate of Elvins High School Class of 1960 and graduated University of Missouri-Columbia in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in Special Education and Gifted Children. She taught in DeSoto and North County Schools until she began her family. From there she dedicated her life fully to her husband and children, extended family, Dr. Hardy’s medical practice, philanthropic work and service to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Mary Del Koops.

Jean was a supportive mother to her children, Brian and Katherine (Kathy) Hardy; step daughter, Stephanie (Raffy) Chilingerian; loving grandmother to Madison, Alexandra and Blake Stanton Hardy; Sophia (“Sophie Jean”) and Anna Caroline Hardy-Senkel; Collins Jean and Colbie Hardy; Lena Katherine and Harry Chilingerian; brother Steve Marler and wife, Cathy Rowe Marler;  special niece, Dr. Laura Hesemann;  special friends, Jackie Berry, Kayla Orindgreff, Aileen Thomas and Michael Brookreson  along with several nieces, nephews and cousins with whom she strived to maintain constant contact through hosting family events and reunions.

As a child, Jean was a dedicated student and regularly played the piano at weddings and church. She learned the art of Southern Hospitality from her Mother. Later in life, her children would joke that you could set your watch by the time she served meals, three times a day.

Jean was a member of DAR, a fifty-year plus member of Beta Sigma Phi, Past President of Flora Garden Club, United Methodist Women, Monday Club; served faithfully as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Leader; assisted with her husband’s Boy Scout troop;  North County Raiderette Dance Mom;  served on the committee for the first Project Graduation at North County High School, charter member of the Mineral Area Arts Council, and several social, book and bridge clubs.

Jean and Dr. Hardy loved to travel. They took several multi-week trips together to Europe and also visited Australia, Tahiti and New Zealand. The family travelled extensively around the country each summer with Jean deciding every detail of the adventure, most often spending time deep sea fishing in Destin, hiking near Aspen and floating the Boundary Waters. She later travelled with grandchildren, wintered in California to be near them and accompanied them several times to Mexico and Hawaii. Jean and Jackie Berry decided to take a once in a lifetime trip together to India and from there began their wonderful “friendship of adventure” by traveling to China and then Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At the time of Jean’s stroke, they were planning a trip to Africa.

During her last illness, she often reminisced of her time camping at Silvermines with her parents and family.  Jean possessed the patience of a saint and nerves of steel, which was clearly evidenced by the way she dealt with life post stroke.  She never complained, always had a joyful heart and continued to run her household with the same zest as before, and did her best to continue life as a loving Grandmother.

     Visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Desloge. Visitation will resume on Saturday, December 17, 2022,  from 10:00 AM until service time of 11:00 AM at  C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ron Beaton officiating. Memorials can be made to Meals on Wheels, c/o Park Hills Senior Nutrition Center, 224 West Main, Park Hills, MO 63601 or to the L.I.F.E. Center in Farmington http://www.lifecilmo.org/