Jeannette Lillian Foster was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on February 5, 1925. She
went home to the Lord Thursday evening, November 4, 2021 at the age of 96,
surrounded by her children singing hymns. Jeannette was on hospice care following
complications from a broken hip in September. She will be laid to rest next to her
beloved husband, George, at Floral Haven Cemetery.
Jeannette was a Kansas farm girl and always proud to be a "Sunflower Girl from the
Sunflower State". She grew up during the Depression and later told her children
exciting stories from her childhood; the escape from the turkey gobbler, the flood
rescue, the dust storms, riding a horse in the peony fields. She met her true love,
George Foster at a barn dance. As members of the Greatest Generation they parted
for three years as he served with the Army in Europe during WW2. On his return they
were married in Hutchinson on May 12, 1946.
After college and two babies, George and Jeannette moved to Tulsa in 1951 to "seek
their fortune." Ten years later they purchased a small plumbing supply company which
grew into today's Heatwave Supply.
Jeannette was first a stay-at-home mom, then an unpaid helper in the business, a
volunteer at Hillcrest Auxiliary, a bridge player and always George's best friend. They
shared a love of barbershop quartets and square dancing. Jeannette loved to travel
saying she had "itchy toes". She explored the world with her husband and friends,
children and grandchildren.
Jeannette's faith journey began in a childhood Sunday School at a country church.
She sang "In the Garden" in a girls' trio. There was a time when she was not around a
community of believers, but God was always reaching out. Living across the street
from a Presbyterian minister helped. In the late 1960's when she was overwhelmed
with life she called out to God, "I can't do it. Help". She felt enveloped in a warm light
and started praising. It was that moment she grasped the miracle of the transformed
life. From that point on she grew in her faith through prayer meetings, Christian
Women's Club, neighborhood Good News Club with her young daughter and just
"helping." Later she and George found their church home at Harvard Avenue Christian
Church where they drove Meals on Wheels, and helped house Laotian refugees. They
treasured their friends in the "Disciples" Sunday School class.
Jeannette lost her devoted husband of 58 years in 2005. Her church and family
comforted her. She enjoyed the church's Tuesday Morning Book Club, continued
driving Meals on Wheels (she was in her eighties!) and even insisted she was meant to
provide after school care for her great-grandsons. Their school bus stopped at her
corner. The boys remember their daily bacon snack as they all watched Jeopardy.
In 2009 she survived a serious accident but recovered with the love and support of
family and dedicated friends.
In 2012 Jeannette moved to Crestwood, Oklahoma Methodist Manor where her next
chapter began. She started her day with devotionals and prayer, then took part in the
many activities there including water aerobics, bridge parties, weekly Bible studies and
many volunteer opportunities. Having reached her nineties, she was losing many of her
best friends. But at Crestwood she made new best friends, seven magnificent ones
who dined and played together as they cared for one another.
Jeannette, fondly known as "the lady with the laughing eyes", was recognized for her
sweet spirit and warm smile.
Jeannette is survived by her sister Louise Dietz and husband Dylce of Ottawa, KS; her
children Linda Rice and husband Roland of Tulsa; her son Richard Foster of Las Vegas,
NV; her daughter Laura Foster of Killeen, TX. Grandchildren Justin Rice and wife Stephanie, Wesley Rice and wife Robin, Matt Foster and Kate Foster-Gaska. Greatgrandchildren Roland Matthew, Hayden, Mary, Lucy Jeannette and Zoe.
There will be a memorial service at Harvard Avenue Christian Church, 5502 S. Harvard
at 1:00 PM, Friday, November 12. The service will be available to view on Youtube
In lieu of flowers the family requests any remembrances be made to one of her favorite
ministries:
John 3:16 Mission @ 506 N. Cheyenne 74103
Literacy Evangelism International @ 1800 S. Jackson Avenue 74107
Salvation Army @ 102 N. Denver 74103
Harvard Avenue Christian Church, 5502 S. Harvard 74135