Jeannie Talkington Obituary (1937

Jeanette Lois Talkington (Patigan) was born on January 24, 1937 to Arthur and Ingrid Patigan in Modesto, California. She grew up in Riverbank, California where she helped in the family's almond orchard and enjoyed family outings to Yosemite and the Santa Cruz area. Jeanie gave her heart to the Lord as a preteen and learned to play the piano from her sister-in-law, soon playing the piano for worship services at Riverbank Assembly of God church. She graduated from Oakdale High School in 1954 and attended Modesto Junior College where she studied secretarial training until she began working as a secretary for Modesto Police Department. During this time, she met her soon-to-be husband, Ardell Talkington. Jeanie and Ardell were married in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 1, 1960, right before Ardell was shipped out to Germany to serve in the army. Months later, Jeanie joined him in Germany where they lived near the Mohringen-Stuttgart army base. During this time the couple was able to enjoy their early newlywed season together, frequently going sightseeing on road trips throughout that area of Europe. After returning to California at the end of Ardell's service in the army, the couple bought a home in Modesto where they started their young family and enjoyed spending time with extended family. In 1969 they moved to the Lebanon, Kansas area and then to the Red Cloud area. Jeanie's priority was being a mom and wife, but she also participated in Extension Club, Women's Ministries, community Bible studies and part-time employment. She worked as a secretary in Red Cloud and volunteered her time at Heritage Nursing home, regularly reading books and articles to residents. She later enjoyed working for Home Interiors and driving the van for Heritage. Jeanie was artistic in nature and continued playing the piano throughout her life as the church pianist and for community events. She was able to read music and could play almost anything "by ear." She loved to draw and sketch from a young age and after she retired, she loved making her own greeting cards for family and friends, using rubber stamps supplemented by her own sketching. Jeanie was an avid reader and loved books of many kinds. She always took a camera everywhere she went in order to photograph a beautiful scene in nature or to document fun times with family and friends. It was not uncommon for her to rush outside in her bathrobe and slippers in the early morning to capture a beautiful sunrise. Jeanie was preceded in death by her husband Ardell, grandson Abraham Talkington, sister Winnifred Hudson, brother Bob Koetitz, and brother Fred Koetitz. Jeanie is survived by her son Archie Talkington and wife Carlose; daughter Rebecca Olson and husband, Bill; and son Daniel Talkington; six grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed here but has been welcomed into heaven by our Lord Jesus and many loving friends and family. Funeral services were 10:30 am, Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Living Spring Community Church in Red Cloud with Pastor Chuck Lewis officiating. Interment was at the Walnut Creek Cemetery south of Inavale. Williams Funeral Home 241 West 4th Avenue Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970 Phone 402-746-2500 williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com