Jeannette Ann Gillespie, the daughter of Carl and Verna (Martinsen) Smith was born on January 14, 1927, at Northboro, Iowa, the oldest of three children. She passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Arlington Place, Red Oak, Iowa, at the age of 96 years, 1 month and 30 days.

Jeannette attended school at Coin, Iowa. On June 16, 1946, Jeannette was united in marriage to Charles R. Gillespie in Shenandoah, Iowa. Two daughters were born to this union, Marcia and Charlotte. Over the years, Jeannette worked for The Murphy Calendar Company, Eveready Battery Company, and Spurgeon's. She was a 50-plus year member of the First Baptist Church in Red Oak and later joined the First United Methodist Church, Red Oak. Jeannette was a past member of the Order of Eastern Star, VFW Auxiliary, POW Auxiliary, Iowa Power & Light Coffee Club and Red Oak Monday Club. She loved reading the Bible, involvement in church circles and spending time with her grandchildren.

Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles on April 8, 2000; brothers: Virgil Smith and wife, Ramona and Max Smith; and son-in-law, Bill James.

Jeannette is survived by her two daughters: Marcia Gillespie of Red Oak, IA and Charlotte (Joe) Morris of Red Oak, IA; 5 grandchildren: Jaime Mahmood of Red Oak, IA, Michael Herbert (Kim Smelser) of Stanton, IA, Kenna Herbert of Clarinda, IA, Aaron (Brandi) James of Grimes, IA, Josh (Andrea) James of Urbandale, IA: 12 great-grandchildren: Miranda (John) Palmer, Jordan Quick, Cortney Herbert, Christopher Herbert, Logan Herbert, Kenneth Herbert, CharLeigh Herbert and fiancé, Jared, Rhyn Walters, Ian Dalbey, Caylie James, Trevor James and Natalie James; 8 great-great-grandchildren: Chevelle, Hudson, Dominic, Reed, Riley, Esther, Evelyn and Jamison; and sister-in-law, Mabel Smith of St. Joseph, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held
Monday, March 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, Red Oak, Iowa

Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service on Monday afternoon,
from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at the church.
Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Iowa

Memorials may be designated to Red Oak First United Methodist Church.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Jeannette's arrangements and serving her family.