ASHTABULA — Jean Marie Hinkley, age 77, passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, in Cleveland, following a recent illness.
Jean was born March 21, 1935, to the late Pearl (Salmen) and Alva Shuart.
She is survived by her children, Keith of Ashtabula, Randy (Diane) of Ramseur, N.C., Karen (Scott) Metcalf of Sheffield Township, Kelly (Derek Holbrook) of Ashtabula and Kristie (Errol) Talcott of Jefferson. She was also the proud grandmother of five grandchildren, Matthew Lahner, Kaitlin and Rachel Metcalf, Holly Philpott and Brady Talcott. Jean also leaves behind her brother, Richard (Violet) Shuart of Farmville, Va.; her nephew, Rick (Sue) Shuart of Farmville, Va.; niece, Jill Davis of Powhatan, Va.; and her dear cousin, Ken (Gloria) Swanson of Hilton Head, S.C.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jackie; former husband, Neil; and her aunt and best friend, Ruth (Salmen) White.
A devoted mother and grandmother to her family, she raised all her children independently. She was an avid reader, a loyal Cleveland Indians fan, a collector of sports memorabilia, and followed the careers of Northeast Ohio athletes. Jean also had fond memories of playing her saxophone for the Edgewood Warrior marching band in high school. All of her grandchildren inherited her musical talent.
Jean was employed with The Star Beacon for over 30 years and then retired from The Gazette Newspapers in 2006. She continued her education at Kent State University, and was equally proud of her children’s academic achievements.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the nursing staff and physicians at ACMC, Cleveland Clinic Radiation/Oncology, and HCR Manorcare for their kind and compassionate care in Jean’s final days.
Calling Hours will be held Monday, Feb. 4th, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Tribute at 7 p.m., at ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Ave., Ashtabula. A private graveside service will be held for the family at a later date at Edgewood Cemetery where Jean will be laid to rest with her son, Jackie.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that all donations be made to the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League in memory of Jean’s beloved cocker spaniel, “Nuggett” (donations may be made online at www.acapl.org or mailed to ACAPL, 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004).
Obituary at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
