Jean M. (Drout) White

Jean M. (Drout) White, 98, of Dows passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. She had received excellent care from their staff for four years.

Memorial services for Jean will be held at a later date.

Jean Marie, daughter of Richard and Mary (Bankert) Drout, was born on September 11, 1922 in Long Island, New York. We told her 9/11 was a good day long before it became a tragic day. Jean grew up in Pearl River, New York.

In 1940 Jean met James White, Sr. The couple were united in marriage on June 4, 1944 at the chapel of the University of Chicago. They lived in the Chicago area for eight years. In the fall of 1952, they made their home in Dows, Iowa where they raised their three children. Jean worked as a bank teller in Dows for over 20 years.

Jean and Jim were both very active in the Dows community. Together they worked with the historical society, Dows Betterment Committee, senior citizens, and were active members of the Presbyterian Church. They helped restore and gave tours of the railroad depot (Welcome Center), blacksmith shop, and the mercantile store. Jean was involved in 4H activities with daughter, Pat, for eight years, and was a Cub Scout Den Mother for sons, Jim and Ric as well. Jean enjoyed and was very good at sewing, quilting, crocheting, and knitting.

After retirement, Jim and Jean traveled in their RV “White House on Wheels” across the country: from the S.D. Black Hills to Texas (visiting Ric, Cinda and Josh); and from Alaska (where RV axle broke) to Maine; and from Kentucky (seeing Pat & Bob, Bobby and David) to Jean’s sister on Lake Champlain, New York. They also enjoyed tours of Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Pat (Bob) Drury of Belmond; son Jim (Janet) White of Ankeny; four grandchildren: Bob (Audra) Drury of Virginia, David Drury of Tennessee, Amy (Chris) Roberts of Ankeny, and Josh (Nicolette) White of Texas; six great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and a few family and friends.

Jean is preceded in death (but being met in heaven) by her husband; son Ric; parents; brother; and sister. We can all aspire to recreate the love and caring, patience and resilience that Jean displayed her entire life.

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