Jean Oglesby

Jean Oglesby, age 91, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Jean Louise O’Neal Oglesby was born December 6, 1934 in Kewanee, Illinois, the daughter of Edmund Lemuel and Bertha Berniece Dexter O’Neal, the third of eight children. She graduated as the class valedictorian from Williamsville High School in 1953.

Jean married Ernest Lee Oglesby on November 28, 1954 and they shared 52 years of adventures before he passed on January 13, 2006.

Jean held a variety of office positions through her lifetime, retiring from Country Companies after working for several different agents. She also worked in the libraries in the Williamsville School District for many years.

Survivors include her daughters: Susan White and Sally (Roger) Gosda, both of Lincoln, and her son, Stuart (Kerri) Oglesby of Phoenixville, PA. Grandchildren: Jenny (Matt) Estes, Adam (Stephanie) White, Chris (Misty) Gosda, Kelly (Kyle) Gleason, and Katie (Emily) Martinez. Great grandchildren: Callie (Javier Cearlock) Estes, Kori (Jordan Burris) Estes, Macie Estes, Harper Estes, Charlee Sue Gleason, Patrick Gleason, Elsee Gleason, and coming soon, Baby Girl Martinez. Last but certainly not least is her great great grandson, Rowen Cearlock.

In addition, Jean is survived by her siblings Don (Nancy) O’Neal and Joan Smith of Springfield, IL and Joye Branca of Vista, CA and sisters-in law, Doris O’Neal and Jean F. Oglesby, both of Williamsville, IL and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Patricia Scott, brothers John O’Neal, Jeff O’Neal, and Jerry O’Neal and in-laws David Scott, Jim Branca, Don Smith, Bill Oglesby, and Paul and Margaret Poe.

Jean loved to read as well as crochet, knit, work puzzles of all kinds, and bake bread and cookies of all sorts. At Christmas she baked several different types of cookies so everyone got their favorite. She was a fan of Williamsville Bullets football, Green Bay Packers, and Fighting Illini basketball.

To honor Jean’s love of books and in appreciation of the care she received at the hospital, the family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin Street, Lincoln, IL 62656 or Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 200 Stahlhut Drive, Lincoln, IL 62656.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation for Jean will be held from 10:00 AM until time of memorial services at 11:30 AM on Friday, July 17 at the Williamsville Community Center in Williamsville, IL.

Burial will be held at Elkhart Cemetery immediately after the services.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.