She was born October 11, 1934, to Charles and Frances (Pierpont) Willits in Galva, Illinois. She attended elementary and secondary schools in Galva, graduating from Galva High School in 1952, and then attended Western Illinois University in Macomb. Jeanne married Willard Larson in 1955 and they later divorced.

Survivors include two children, Rebecca (John) of Arvada, and Jeffrey (Tina) of Phoenix; and grandson, Brant, of Salem, Oregon; as well as cousins in California, New York and Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Gregory Larson. She also had lifetime friendships with whom she kept in contact as well as many professional friendships. When the children were young, she was a Girl Scout leader, den mother and supported and loved their years in sports and other events.

Jeanne was an Illinois Real Estate Broker with Key-Realtors in Macomb for several years and after the real estate years was a mortgage lender with Champaign National Bank/Bank Illinois in Champaign, retiring as Senior Vice President in 2000. Throughout retirement she lived in Johnstown, where she volunteered at the Johnstown Historical Society as well as participating in other clubs and organizations.

In 2019, Jeanne returned to Macomb to The Lamoine Assisted Living Facility.

During her professional years she served on several boards in Macomb and Champaign and was a past president of the Lamoine Valley Board of Realtors and the Champaign-Urbana Sunrise Rotary Club.

Jeanne thoroughly enjoyed the holidays and family gatherings and loved cooking and creating festive meals for special occasions. She loved being with her old friends and the new Colorado friends. She had a passion for traveling, playing bridge, golfing, reading, antiquing, cooking, and enjoyed them with great enthusiasm. Jeanne’s dry wit and great sense of humor served her well throughout her life.

Private graveside services and inurnment will be held at Galva Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Johnstown Historical Society, or to the American Heart Association. Rux Funeral Home in Galva is in charge of arrangements.

This obituary may be viewed and private condolences left at www.ruxfuner alhome.com.