Jean LeeElla Bice Bontrager, Wilkins passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015 in Yerington, NV. She was 94.

Jean was born March 20, 1921 at home on a farm outside of Walker, Iowa. She was the oldest child of Martin Isaac and Virginia Lee (Fitzgarrald) Bice. The family moved to Cedar Rapids in the early 30's. Jean graduated from Franklin Senior High School in 1937. She attended Coe College for two years, received her teaching degree and began her teaching career in a one-room school house. She received her B.A. in Education from Coe College and completed her Masters Degree at the University of Iowa. She taught for 20+ years and was the Reading Specialist for the Linn-Mar School District in Marion, Iowa.

She was married to Woodrow W. Bontrager in 1941 and they had two daughters, Carol Jean and Phyllis Jo. Jean married Clifford L. Wilkins in 1960. Upon retirement Jean and Cliff moved to Florida, then to Henderson, NV to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Jean was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the piano and organ for her church. Her hobby was quilting. She made quilts for all her family members. Jean moved to Yerington with her daughter Phyllis in 2007. She was a member of the Community Methodist Church in Yerington. She also enjoyed memberships in The Mayflower Society, The Daughters of the American Revolution, and The Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Virginia,
her husband Clifford L. Wilkins, sisters and brother-in-laws, Virginia and Wayne Manson and Joan and Ray Underwood.

Jean is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth (Bob) Arnold; her Daughters, Carol (Jerry) Wagers and Phyllis (Ray) Moats; her Grandchildren, Terri (Steve) Slavin, Sherri (Bill) McConnell, Lane Lambert, Kristin J.L.(Eric) Klug, Larry Lambert Danny Lambert, Troy Wilkins, Rodney Wilkins, Matt (Andrea) Wagers, Andy (Yayoi) Wagers and Doug (James Thomas) Wagers; her Great Grandchildren, Billy McConnell, Candace (Spencer) May, Stephi (Kyle) Thomas, Chelsi (Mason) Stratton, Sean McConnell, Sal, Bobbi Jo, Abraham, and Ruby Lambert, Tucker Wilkins, Kelly Wagers, Ian Wagers and Katelyn Wagers; her Great-Great Grandchildren, Ashton and Harper. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. Jean loved her family, was proud of her Pilgrim and Pioneer ancestry, loved her country, and was a staunch Republican.

Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at the Community United Methodist Church, 221 N. Main Street, Yerington NV. Her cremains will be buried beside her husband Clifford Wilkins in Keswick, Iowa.

Family and friends are invited to sign her online guest book at www.FRFH.net, also sympathy cards may be sent directly to her daughter, Phyllis from this site.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Community United Methodist Church, 221 N. Main Street Yerington, NV 89447.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911