John Jay Jefferis

John Jay Jefferis, age 78, of Shenandoah, Iowa, formerly of Macedonia, Iowa, passed away at his home in Shenandoah on July 17, 2008.

John Jay Jefferis, one of four children of Laura Alta (Boyer) and Marion M. Jefferis, was born on July 22, 1929 at Oakland, Iowa. He grew up and attended school in the Macedonia, Iowa area and graduated from Macedonia High School in 1949. Following graduation, John enlisted in the United States Army and served his country in Germany and France during the Korean War. In 1951, John returned home to Macedonia and worked at Summit Hardware where he delivered bottled gas.

John and Betty Joan Hendrix, daughter of Gwendolyn Mae (Ryan) and Kelly Seymour Hendrix, were married on June 19, 1955 in Henderson, Iowa. They made their home south of Macedonia, where John continued to work for Summit Hardware, which later became Pelgas. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Debra Ann. In 1960, the family moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, where John was transferred to operate a bulk tank truck for Thermogas. Over the years, John and Betty were blessed with daughters, Carole Lynne and Connie Jo. In 1990, John retired from Thermogas after 30 years.

John and Betty enjoyed activities and traveling with their friends in the "Rambling Rose Camping Club". For many years, they hosted jam sessions at "The Farm" near Macedonia. John also found time for house remodeling and was an accomplished woodworker. However, his greatest joy was any occasion spent with his family and friends. He was a member of the First Christian Church and the Eagles Lodge in Shenandoah and also a member of the Ruby Smith Post No. 648 of the American Legion in Macedonia.

John passed away at his home in Shenandoah on July 17, 2008, attaining the age of 78 years, 11 months and 25 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Parham and husband Tom, Yvonne Jefferis; brother James Jefferis; and foster daughter-in-law Natalie Stitzel.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Jefferis of Shenandoah, IA; children Debra Brewer and husband Kenneth of Shenandoah, Carole Tribbie and husband Darrol, and Connie Hirst and husband Terry, all of Malvern, IA; foster sons, Kerry Stitzel and Rob Babcock of Shenandoah; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister-in-law Beverly Jefferis of Council Bluffs, IA; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

A memorial fund has been established.