Jean A. Stark Ellis

     Jean A. Stark Ellis, born August 11, 1934, went safely into the hands of Jesus, her loving Savior, on December 21, 2024.

     Jean was born in Philadelphia and resided in Media, Edinboro, Zelienople, Conneaut Lake, and Wesbury United Methodist Community of Meadville, PA. A graduate of Delaware County Community College and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, she taught third grade in the Seneca Valley School District for 20 years. 

     She was a member of the PA State Association of School Retirees-Butler and Crawford County Chapters. During her lifetime she was affiliated with the Girl Scouts of America and held offices in the Junior Chamber of Commerce Jaycee-ettes. Jean was also a member of various travel clubs, Conneaut Lake Garden Club, TOPS, Eat & Travel Club, and Active Aging in Meadville. Jean belonged to Linesville First Baptist Church and The Pioneers Sunday school class. She traveled to Canada, Europe, and various locations in the US, but her heart was always in Chautauqua where she made many dear friends.

     As one of the owners of the Arlington Cottage Condos at Chautauqua Institution, NY she held the office of secretary for many years. There, she was the historian for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Class of 1992 for many years. 

     Since the 1970s, Jean was an avid fan of the Steelers, with “Big Ben” being her favorite! A great proponent of spay/neuter programs, she dearly loved her many rescue cats over the years. 

     She was an active community volunteer and loved being with her family. Grandchildren, reading, traveling, and church were the high points of her life.

     She is survived by two daughters, Lauren Elaine Rafeew of Edinboro PA, and Christine June Miner of Linesville PA. Sons-in-law include Gerald Rafeew and Wayne Miner. She had seven grandchildren: Jacob Albert (Lauren), Ryan, Alexander, and Derek Rafeew; Jasmine, Sonya, and Tessa Miner. Jean is also survived by a brother-in-law, Robert Ellis, nephews, David, Daniel, and James Ellis, and their families, and a niece, Barbara Hampton (William). 

     Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell of 62 years, and parents, Willard and Laura Stark. 

     Jean will be remembered for her ever-present cheerful attitude and loving, encouraging spirit toward all who were blessed to have met her. Truly, to have met her, was to love her. Her endless card writing ‘ministry’ stretched from her backyard to overseas, as she had a dear pen pal in England since elementary school. It was common for her students to exclaim that she was, “the best teacher ever!” She was the epitome of a proper lady, never wavering from her manners. Family and friends will dearly miss her. 

     The family wishes to thank Wesbury United Methodist Community and Gentiva Hospice for their loving care toward Jean. 

     Funeral arrangements will be private with a memorial service at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Linesville, P.O. Box 387, Linesville, PA 16424.

     Arrangements under the direction of Royal-Coleman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Linesville.

     Please share at condolence or memory of Jean for the family at royalcolemanfuneralhome.com.