Obituary of Jean Stover

With immense sadness, the Stover family announces the peaceful passing of Jean Josephine Stover (nee Authier) surrounded by the love of her family at Riverview Gardens in Chatham on April 23rd, 2025 at the age of 89. Jean was a long-time resident of Ridgetown.

Jean was born in Chatham on March 12th, 1936, and is the loving daughter of the late Albert & Josephine Authier (nee Putz).

Jean married the love of her life, Bill Stover, on November 26th, 1957, sharing 65 wonderful years of love and family together. Jean had to say goodbye to her loving Bill on January 8th, 2023. She was heartbroken, but managed with her own strength, along with the love of family and friends, to navigate through the tough journey without Bill.

Jean was a kind and loving mother and will be forever missed and loved by her son Robert (late Stephen Rankin) (2023) of Chatham and daughter Elizabeth Stover of Ridgetown. Jean was predeceased by her dear daughter Cheryl Jee (2023).

Jean leaves behind her only remaining sibling, dear brother, Gary Authier of Wallaceburg. Jean was predeceased by her dear sisters: Carol Dupuis (2011) (Jules), Janet Graves (2022), and brother: Raymond Authier (2025).

Jean also leaves behind her dear son-in-law, Wayne Jee of Chatham, along with beloved grandchildren Kristine (Stu) Moninger, Nicole Bienstman, and Kimberly Jee (Aman Mann) and great grandchildren: Matthew (Kaitlyn), Meagan, Avery, Alaina, Emma, Owen, Aila, Avi, and Everett.

Jean also leaves behind dear brothers-in-law: Larry (Charlene) Stover of Blenheim and Ron Graves of Troy along with a dear sister-in-law: Sharon Houston of Chatham.

Jean is also survived by loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Both Jean and Bill said that they felt blessed to have the life that they lived. They always proudly said that there were no regrets in life and were so appreciative and thankful for the privilege to experience the great journey of life offered with their family and friends. Jean was the number one fan of her loving spouse, Bill, along with her children, grandchildren & great-children. She was kind, loving and caring, not only to her family, but to all who she encountered. She was proud of her family and always said the happiest moments in her life was meeting Bill and raising
her children. She would take us to our sports and after school activities as well as take us to the beach and camping. Family life was busy in the 60s and 70s and Jean later mentioned, with a laugh, that she would often meet herself as she was backing in/out of the driveway to the next event or activity.

Jean was also involved in the community, often canvassing for the Cancer Society and Heart & Stroke Foundation and volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Brownies. A member of the Anglican Church, she was often found making pies for church dinners, setting up the altar for Sunday service, and teaching Sunday School.

Jean loved bird watching, gardening, as well as stamp & coin collecting.

Both Jean & Bill bravely embraced new technology with zest. Jean oversaw and successfully ushered in a new computer billing system during her time at the Ridgetown Public Utilities Commission, replacing the paper-based system. She continued to take computer courses after retiring in 1987 and loved to scan the thousands of pictures from family photo albums and give them as gifts to her children and grandchildren.

Jean was a modest, gentle, smart and caring woman. Both Jean & Bill instilled values that taught their children to respect and appreciate everything and everyone in this short life.

The family would like to thank the wonderful team of Riverview Gardens in Chatham for the care provided to Jean. The family was so comforted by the love and compassion offered to Jean during her nearly 2 years there. A special thank you especially to the entire staff of 3 East. In Jean’s final days, she was treated with care, dignity and respect.

In memory of Jean, the family would ask in lieu of flowers, for those who wish to make donation, to please consider donations to Riverview Gardens or a charity of choice.

In keeping with Jean’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service, and the family will be remembering Jean in a private interment of her urn later in the Spring.

Thank you, Mom, for being such a wonderful and loving Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great grandmother, Aunt, Cousin and friend to so many.

Jean left a legacy of true, unconditional love. The stars in the sky will surely shine brightly as you pass through them Mom. It is time for you to join Dad (who loved to fly airplanes) as his copilot and together, soar high.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home

76 Main Street East, Ridgetown

519 674 3141