Obituary of Jonetta McLain

Jonetta McLain (Jonnie), age 95, of The Villages, Florida passed away on April 23, 2018.  Jonnie was born in Osawatomie, Kansas, the fourth of six children, to John Alma and Annie Etta Landers on December 15, 1922.  She married Turner Russell McLain, a career Air Force man in 1939.  The Air Force took them to Japan and Guam and all corners of the states finally settling the family in Vacaville, California. Her husband passed away at age 55 when Jonnie was 50 years old. 

 

Jonnie is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers Bill, Monty, and Winfred Landers; two sisters Eve Stock and Naomi Goodwin; her daughter-in-law, Donna McLain (Ken), and her niece and close friend, Bev Parker.  She is survived by her sons Ken and Steve (Vickie); daughter Kim (Bill) Garcia; 7 grandchildren: Rusty (Michelle), Mike, Kerey (Pete) Knapp, Brett (Tiffany), Ken (Christie), Juliana (Josh) Blanchard, and Jonathan, and 18 great grandchildren.

 

She was an amazing woman and loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt.  Family was treasured by Jonnie and she expressed her love in countless ways.  She showed an interest in everyone and she adopted her children’s spouses as her own as soon as they were married.   When her daughter married a racecar driver she attended the races.  When her son, Steve, preached in the Church she was beaming from ear to ear.  When her son, Ken decided to go into the sheet metal business, she went to work at age 68 as the Office Manager/Bookkeeper, retiring at age 84. She spoiled her dachshunds: Lindy, Duke, Josh, and Big Mac. (They are family too.) 

 

She expressed her love for her grandkids by attending countless baseball and soccer games and cheered them on as they pursued new interests. Her home was always open to her children and grandchildren and their friends.  She hosted delicious, stylish dinners on the spur of the moment and for most holidays.  Her fried chicken was the best ever!  She was a wonderful conversationalist and enjoyed visiting.  If you wanted to play cards, she was unbeatable at Rummy, good at Bridge, and enjoyed Bunco.  She took up watching basketball (her favorite team was the Sacramento Kings) in her 70s.  She also enjoyed quilting and flower gardening.  Her poise and grace, in even the most difficult situations, was to be envied and admired.  She had a beautiful smile and she was always proud and happiest when she was with her family. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Cornerstone Hospice for their care and support in her final days.  In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Jonnie, may be made to Cornerstone Hospice at 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162.

 

At death, God’s children don’t say “goodbye,” but “we’ll see you later.”  Arrangements entrusted with HIERS-BAXLEY Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162.  Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com.