"Dear Leonard and family- So sorry to hear of Jean's passing. It's a small world, when my good friend, Diane Volkman, mentioned that they had attended a funeral in Melcher-Dallas for a relative of Glen's. Only then did I know that you are related to my dear friends here in Grinnell. I always think fondly of Jean, and you also, Leonard, with the TEC retreats and all the other youth activities we worked together on. She was a wonderful person and a great mom and wife! Even though I haven't seen you for several years, I still have such great memories of our times we shared! Prayers and Peace, Leonard! Hugs, Vicki DeAngelo "
In loving memory of
Ella Jean Bishop
January 8, 1930 - December 17, 2013
Ella Jean Bishop, 83, of rural Lacona passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at her home in Marion County, near Melcher-Dallas.
Ella Jean was born on January 8, 1930 in Rural Marion County to Henry & Florence (Metz) Frueh. She received her education from Dallas High School in 1947 and would further her education at Capitol City Commercial College, completing coursework for executive secretary.
Jean moved to the Des Moines area in 1948 where she was employed at Farmers Casualty Company, and later moved to Iowa City for employment at the VA Hospital. Jean was united in marriage to Leonard Bishop on May 30, 1956 in Bauer, Iowa. The two lived near Des Moines on a farm before settling in rural Marion county in 1963. Over the years Leonard worked on the farm and in construction while Jean remained at home providing care for Leonard and their 10 active children. In addition, Jean was involved with the religious and spiritual formation of their children, and as they grew, became very involved in the ministries of religious education, youth ministry, and RCIA programs for Sacred Heart parish, the Grinnell deanery and within the Davenport Diocese.
Family and friends alike remember Jean as young at heart, positive and always quick with a witty comment. Jean was an avid reader and stayed current on political and religious events through many decades of change. Her two favorite topics were religion and politics, and she was more than happy to engage in a conversation with anyone about the issues of the day! Jean took special interest in her family and grandchildren, staying current with what was happening in their lives, and affirming each one's search to find ways to use their life and gifts to serve others.
Survivors include her husband, Leonard Bishop of rural Marion county, 10 children: Janet (David) Drey of Des Moines, Carol (Harold) Armstrong of Shakopee, MN, Jerry (Lori) Bishop of Des Moines, LuAnn (Kevin) Rinard of Des Moines, Dennis (Dana) Bishop of Omaha, Jim (Leanne) Bishop of Farmington, MN, Ray (Carol) Bishop, of Aurora, IL, Tom Bishop, of Seoul, South Korea, Jeff Bishop of Indianola, Joe (Tara) Bishop of New York, NY, 24 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, six siblings: Betty Thomann of Riverside, IA, Lenore (Kenneth) Seuferer of Chariton, Leo (Mary) Frueh of Dubuque, Melvin (Barb) Frueh of Des Moines, RoseMary (Richard) Adams of Steubenville, OH, Linda (Don) Wellman of Longmont, CO, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings: Bernadine Volkman and Don Frueh.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 27, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Melcher-Dallas with Fr. Steve Ebel officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with a prayer service led by Fr. Steve Ebel at 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Social Concerns committee or to Hospice of Pella. Interment will be in Bauer Cemetery.
Tributes
"Leonard and family -- Jeanie was a great mentor to me -- you also Leonard! I fondly remember that she always challenged one to think to the greater picture of life. We journeyed in RCIA and in youth activites/retreats together. I was blessed by her story and the faith and witness of God's love she so strongly believed in. Missed you both these last years, but your task of helping her to this new life she has today is/was a special gift. Sorry I can't be with you to help honor her at the services. Blessings and sympathy to you all."
"My deepest sympathy to Leonard, and the entire Bishop family. May your loving memories console you at this time. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all."
"I always remember how well read Grandma was. She loved to ask me about the classes I was taking in college, and often, she would have read the book I was assigned to read. She loved a good discussion about current political events as well. I remember her food. John Henry's, her pies, her sweet potatoes, her salsa, her honey rolls and cinnamon rolls. I remember staying all night at her house and waking up in the morning to her working in the kitchen in her robe. I remember what a big part of her life babies and kids were, and the joy she took in being around my own children. I remember how social she was--she loved a party. I remember what a killer trivial pursuit player she was. I remember her intelligence, her humor, and her grace."
"Great lady who had a nice family to know. A great pleasure to talk with as you come home to visit. Sending thoughts and prayers to Leonard and the rest of the family."
"Jeannie was an angel, even when I was being naughty in catechism class every Wednesday night. Sorry for your loss Bishop family. "
"Dearest Jim and Leanne. Losing a mom tears at the very essence of who one is and a feeling of incredible loss to the point of feeling orphaned may prevail. May you find comfort in her memory and continue to live her life in various ways. Continue to remember and keep her spirit alive by the good things she did. Lots of love "
"Sorry to learn of your mom's passing. "
"My sympathy to all of Jean's family. Jean was such a person of faith. She enjoyed sharing that gift with everyone she touched -- and she touched many! As you offer her to God these days before Christmas -- may we all thank her for being such a great gift to us all."
"Janet, Dave, and family, As you journey through these days of remembering and celebrating a life of one who has left heart prints of love, know that you are close to my heart in prayer! Celebrate who you are because you were graced to be able to call her mom, grandma, wife, aunt, friend, or whatever she was to you. Cherish and remember the precious times that you had with her and the love that you shared, the things that she taught you, and the legacy that she leaves!! As we celebrate this Christmas season and as you stand in awe and wonder of the Birth of Christ and what that means to each of you - stand in awe and wonder of the gift that you've been given with having her in your life and what that means to each of you!! Sending love and prayers your way from Wisconsin! Cathy "
"Dear Leonard and family, Please know of my love and sympathy to all of you. Jean was wonderful catechist. I still use some of the lessons she taught me in preparing first communion students. I can also remember those wonderful pies she brought along to deanery meetings. I know she will be missed, but God probably has a team of angels taking her questions and helping with answers to questions she always wanted to know about. My love to all of you. "
"Jean was a great woman of faith and a great inspiration. When she came to Deanery Meetings of the Grinnell Deanery she always brought the best pie. I have memories of Leonard with his guitar also. Prayers and best wishes to you all."
"Very sorry to hear about her passing. She was a tireless worker who took an interest in everyone and everything. On my trips back to Melcher she always sought me out after church and asked me about my life and family. She was part of the glue that holds a community together."
"I fondly remember Jean as a true warm caring individual. She devoted her time and energy to teaching my children religious classes! My condolences to her family."