Jeanne Craig Stinson, 92, died peacefully September 9 ^th .  Jeanne was born to Amos and Winifred Craig in October of 1929 in Springfield, MO, where she lived all her life. "When I was born my mother stayed the customary two weeks in the hospital," Jeanne said. "When I was four months old, the house at 800 E Grand burned.  Mother said she rushed in, grabbed me from the crib and ran next door.  She almost threw me on the bed – and I giggled." Jeanne inherited her love for rivers and outdoors from her father along with "his opinionated, stubborn streak – a direct genetic trait."  From her mother she inherited beauty, intelligence, and a great sense of humor.

Jeanne attended Greenwood High School, Southwest Missouri State and Missouri University. She loved her many years teaching English at Greenwood, and working with student teachers at MSU.  She had a reputation as "tough but good." If she gave someone "the look," it couldn't be ignored.

After World War II, Jeanne said she chased William F. (Bill) Stinson "until he caught me." They had two children: Ann Stinson Kirkpatrick and John Stinson. Bill as well as Jeanne's dear sister, Virginia Baird, preceded her in death. Jeanne is survived by many friends, her children and their families, nieces and nephews.

The newly departed Queen of England likely never had as much fun as Jeanne Stinson.  She loved Halloween, telling spicy jokes, playing cards, camping and canoeing, and singing songs around a campfire.  "The more frustrating the camping adventure, the more we loved it," she said.  Adventures included a stolen canoe, burned camper, and scorpion-filled outhouse during a tornado.

In social settings, she was elegant, well-spoken and loved engaging in stimulating conversation. Belonging to many organizations, Jeanne was gifted at creating lasting friendships. Her hallmark was telling a friend what they needed to hear, rather than what they wanted to hear.  Her voice will forever be with us.

Jeanne became a kidney transplant recipient in 2001.  In lieu of flowers, Jeanne's request is for her friends to consider organ donation and encourage others to do the same.  The celebration of her life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 2645 E Southern Hills Blvd. at 3:30 p.m, September 17 ^th .  A reception will immediately follow.