In 1956 Ernie and Jean moved to Trenton, Missouri and purchased the Western Auto Store which they owned and operated until 1974. Jean then joined Mercantile Bank of Trenton and retired in 1991 as a vice president. Her love for this community continued with involvement in civic, charitable, and religious organizations until she moved to Overland Park, KS in 2021.
Among her contributions were helping organize and serve on the first United Way of Grundy County Board, the first board of the Family and Friends of the Developmentally Disabled, and she was a member of the original Missouri Days Committee. Jean served on the Trenton City Council for two terms and was on the Police Personnel Board for twelve years. Jean was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 60 years. Additional community involvement includes the Ninety-Nine Club, Grundy County Friends of the Arts, Trenton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Grundy County Museum Board, TYRO (Trenton Youth Recreation Organization), and Sweet Adelines. Jean was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for 64 years. Jean and Ernie’s proudest legacy in the community is contributing to the establishment and sustainability of the Community Food Pantry.
Trenton Business and Professional Women’s Club honored Jean as Woman of the Year in 1990. The Corporation for National and Community Service and the office of the President of the United States recognized Jean for outstanding service to the community in 2015. RSVP also recognized Jean’s volunteer service to the community spanning over 33 years and over 6,000 hours. Trenton Chamber of Commerce honored Jean as a “Pillar of the Community” in 2015.
Jean is survived by daughters Carol Nichols, husband Dennis of Leawood, KS; Ann Wright, husband Richard of Jenks, OK; and daughter-in-law Jan Rousselot of Littleton, CO; Grandchildren are Justin Rousselot of Longmont, CO; Emily Nichols of Kansas City, MO; Mark Nichols of Kansas City, KS; Patrick Wright of Norman, OK; and Peter Wright of Jenks, OK.; Great-grandchildren include Emma Rousselot, Brendan Rousselot, and Arlo Nichols. Also, are many beloved nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 8300 Quivira Rd., in Lenexa, KS on Saturday, April 6th at 10:30 AM. Contributions may be made to Community Food Pantry, 1703 Harris Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.

I am so sorry for your loss. Jean was a wonderful person and I am so glad to have been able to call her a friend.
So very sorry for your loss Carol. Praying the deep comfort that only the Holy Spirit can bring.❤️
Jean was such a consummate lady~ caring, giving, lovely to behold, and with a beautiful spirit. She was a patient hostess to our gaggle of THS school girls (class of ‘73) and I believe all of us who experienced her warmth remember Jean with deep respect and appreciation.
What a precious, devoted servant of God! She was so good! She truly cared for the poor and needy. She was kind to me when I went to the Pantry during a difficult time. She was kind afterwards too. She will be missed. Sending prayers for you at this difficult time. May God Bless!
Aunt Jean was always like a second mom to me through many difficult times. She was always such a wonderful, smart, & compassionate woman who never stopped giving & certainly had no complaints as her health declined these last months. I praise the Lord that she spent this Easter with so many loved ones that preceded her by many years. She will remain in all our hearts as such a beautiful, loving mentor the rest of our lives here on earth. All my love ❤️🙏