Jeanne Marie Ozburn

Jeanne Marie (Utter) Ozburn, age 66, passed into the arms of Jesus and Mary on December 2, 2020. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all whose lives she touched. Jeanne was born on January 9, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the third of ten children of Robert and Mary Patricia Utter. Jeanne loved growing up with her large family and told many entertaining stories about her childhood. She graduated from Archbishop O’Hara High School in 1972 and attended college at Longview. She married her best friend and lifetime love, Robert Ozburn, in August of 1974. Jeanne was a dedicated wife and mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and grandchildren and appreciated every moment with them. She especially loved her role as NeeNee. Jeanne lived a life busy raising children, volunteering, and eventually going back to work. She worked for Wal-Mart in payroll, accounting, and later as an administrative assistant. Most of her married life was spent moving with her husband’s job transfers. She always created a welcoming home filled with food and laughter. Jeanne loved spending time in the kitchen cooking for her family. She was a talented pianist and vocalist, and music greatly enriched her life. Jeanne was a highly skilled seamstress with the ability to sew her own original creations. She shared her gift with others sewing first holy Communion, prom, bridesmaid, and wedding dresses, as well as baptismal gowns and holiday outfits for her children and grandchildren. Family was the center of Jeanne’s life, and she was happiest when her large family surrounded her. She was very connected to all of her family and friends, and she was the glue that brought people together. She has been a major presence in the lives of her grandchildren, taking them on outings and teaching them to cook and sew. She instilled in her children strong values that have served them well. Jeanne cared about people in the most sincere and unconditional way. She was a devout Catholic, and her strong faith was a witness to all who crossed her path. Her life was a living example of the Bible verse, “And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Ephesians 4:32). She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Patricia (George) Utter; and brother, William Utter. Jeanne will be lovingly remembered by her husband of more than 46 years, Robert Ozburn; daughters and son, Lisa Free (Andrew), Kimberly Jewell (Brice), and David Ozburn (Brandi); grandchildren, Rebekah Sims (Kevin), David Jacob Ozburn, Katie, Matthew and Emily Free, and Adam, Abby, and Liam Jewell; great-granddaughter, Serena Sims; siblings, John Utter (Peggy), Judy Wood, Bobby Utter, Jim Utter (Gina), Mary Beth Vardy (Richard), Michael Utter (Norma), Mark Utter (Cindy), and Paul Utter (Amber); aunt, Linda George, plus many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other beloved relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace and be remembered for her caring heart and sacrificial love. Please join us celebrating her life on Wednesday December 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 919 NE 96th Street, Kansas City, MO 64155. A live stream of the Mass will be made available. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Please help celebrate the life of Jeanne by sharing a memory or expressing your condolences to the family.