December 22, 2021: Jean Votava

Jean Votava, daughter of Forrest and Glea (Swartwood) Bailey, was born at home on September 14, 1931. Jean grew up on farms in the Diagonal and Clearfield area. She enjoyed playing basketball in her high school years and graduated from Clearfield High School with the class of 1950. On June 15, 1950, Jean was united in marriage to Louis Votava. To this union was born 4 children: Nancy, Marvin, Janis, Lonnie.
In 1961, Jean and Louis purchased a farm where they lived the remainder of their lives. Jean was a homemaker and partner in the farming operation. She loved her cows and would identify them by color, markings, and names. In addition to her cows, Jean loved her horses and Siamese cats. Jean enjoyed her four-wheelers and wore out several of them checking cows and giving grandchildren rides. Jean was a wonderful cook. She maintained a large garden and canned all throughout the summer. Jean loved her grandchildren and will always be remembered as a loving mom.
Jean passed away on December 14, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Louis on May 7, 1993; and brother Jack Bailey.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children Nancy (Dennis) Sobotka of Ogden, UT, Marvin Votava of McGregor, IA, Janis (John) Pirtle of Clearfield, IA, Lonnie Votava of Clearfield, IA; grandchildren Erika Pirtle of Ankeny, IA and Erin (Dustin) Morrison of St Charles, IA; great grandchildren Grady and Levi Morrison; sister-in-law Ann Votava of Lenox, IA; brother-in-law Jim Rood of Largo, FL; other relatives and friends. There was a celebration of life visitation held from 4:00 pm ~ 7:00 pm on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa with a prayer service was at 6:30 pm. Burial will be held at a later date in the Clearfield Cemetery. Memorials are in her name to be decided.