On Thursday, January 27, 2022, Jeanette Louise LaFayette, a loving mother of four, passed away at the age of 86. She was born September 19, 1935 and was the youngest of three daughters to Paul and Hazel Strand. She was raised on the family farm, attending Old Bedford Country School before graduating from Stronghurst High School.
On January 16, 1955 she married the love of her life Jack N. LaFayette Sr. Shortly after marriage, they moved back to the Stronghurst area where they raised their family and took over operation of the Strand family farm. Jeanette spent many years working in the schools as well as in the District Superintendent’s office. She then spent the remainder of her career serving the community through her work in the ASCS Extension Service offices.
Jeanette loved the Lord and was a proud lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church. She enjoyed music and could be found every Sunday singing in the choir. She instilled the love of Christ in her family and demonstrated the sacrificial life by always putting others before herself. Family was of upmost importance to her. She valued traveling, camping, playing games, visiting, and spending quality time with extended family. Mom was also known to be an excellent cook and enjoyed family meals where much joy and love was shared. Other notable activities she cherished were the Luther Anns and the Red Hat Ladies Club.
Jeanette was preceded to glory by her husband Jack Sr, parents Paul and Hazel Strand, and her sister Pauline Oge. She is survived by her sister Carol Myers.
Jeanette is also survived by her four children, Jerry (Susie) LaFayette of Maineville, OH; Jack Jr. (Lori) LaFayette of Wapello, IA; Jim (Cindi) LaFayette of Zionsville, IN; and Jeff (Deb) LaFayette of Dallas, TX. Her ten grandchildren: Brenda (Jason Bellman) Robbins of Maineville, OH; Jacquelyn (Matthew) Baker of Loveland, OH; Lindsay LaFayette of North Liberty, IA; Jacob (Justice Neff) LaFayette of Johnston, IA; Erin (Nick) Noel of Zionsville, IN; Lauren (Chris) Pfledderer of Columbia, SC, Brian LaFayette, of West LaFayette, IN; Katelyn (Clay) Langebartels of Indianapolis, IN; Lena (Ben) Bickley of Richardson, TX; and Daniel LaFayette of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren: Hailey Stiverson of Maineville, OH; Ethan Robbins of Maineville, OH; Jackson Baker of Loveland, OH: Avery, Taylor, and Morgan Noel of Zionsville, IN; Wyatt and Peyton Langebartels of Indianapolis, IN; Archie Pfledderer of Columbia, SC; and Judah Bickley of Richardson, TX.
Visitation is to be held Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst on Friday February 4th from 5 – 7pm. Funeral Services are to be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Saturday February 5th at 10am, followed by a short graveside service. A memorial fund has been established for Bethel Lutheran Church of Stronghurst. Please visit Jeanette’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
