Martha Jane Gearhart

Martha Jane "Jean" Gearhart, 79 formerly of Waterloo, Iowa earned her wings on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the Grundy Center Care. She was surrounded by her loving family as she took her final flight into the arms of her loving Savior. She was welcomed by His loving gaze and her precious family that had gone before her; her husband whom she loved, Vincent "Vic" Gearhart, her parents, Richard S. Sr. and Martha J. (Shields) Wallace, a sister and her husband Patricia A. (Wallace) and Ronald P. Hansen and a loving nephew, Rodger S. Hansen. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and aunts and uncles.

"Jean" is in the care of Locke Funeral Home (formerly Kearns), Waterloo, IA. And will be remembered in a service on November 19, 2022 at Locke Funeral Home, 4140 Kimball AV, Waterloo, IA. She will be cremated and interred in Manchester, IA at a later time. Her memorial will be livestreamed.

"Janie Bird", as she was known to her siblings because of her love for exotic birds and her expertise in hand-raising them in her middle years, was the oldest in a brood of eight. Though she was born in Macomb, IL, the family relocated to Daly City, CA when she was an infant-in-arms courtesy of the Coast Guard. Three more fledglings arrived in California: Patricia (Ron) Hansen, Richard S, Jr. (Charlotte) Wallace, and Fred (Judy, deceased) L. Wallace. The family returned to Illinois where the remaining eggs

hatched: Rachel A. (Wallace) Marshall, Leah E. (Jim) (Wallace) Jester, Debrah C. (David) (Wallace) Christensen and Galen P. Wallace. Being the oldest wasn't easy when there were so many chicks in one coop.

"Jean" attended junior high and high school in Waukegan, IL until she left home to feather her own nest with the birth of her children: Edgar "Butch" Buckner, Lewis "Lee" Buckner, Jeffrey (Jackie) Buchanan, and Timothy (Dawn) Buchanan. Jean, the perfect mother for a rowdy half-a- football team!

She wasn't afraid to tackle the challenges of single parenthood, nor any of those linebackers! She loved football, good thing, and was an avid Cowboys fan.

"Jean" loved animals and raised many. She loved to fish, but not to touch worms! No sir. Keep those things away. From her youngest years, before a sense of fear could grasp her eager heart, she would chase down the biggest dog in the park without apprehension. Her mother would have attested to that.

Jean's journey twisted from coast to coast as she moved from California to Florida, Virginia and Missouri, Illinois to Kansas and Iowa, but her very favorite place was in the sun. She loved the beach and would frequently gather a combination of younger siblings and her own chicks for a day of fun in the sand. She had a wicked sense of humor, loved Elvis and didn't back down from much. She stood her ground. She was, in fact, of the Wallace Scot clan and you rarely forgot that. And without GPS, could tell you where to go and how to get there, because of her colorful travels.

She blazed a trail as a single mother ahead of her time. She loved her youngsters. The legacy she leaves for them is a tapestry; whipped and tattered by the winds of time. The deep hues of each fiber weaving the picture of her life are rich, dyed in her blood, sweat and tears. That picture will remain for them for all time as the reminder to never quit striving… Her beginning as that babe-in-arms was nothing less than humble, as were the means she earned. Waitressing, in manufacturing, and working with the elderly, which she loved. But now, escorted by angels on her final flight, she sits at a

heavenly table, in a mansion. No worries, struggles, or pain, as the loved and cherished daughter God created her to be and she has been from her inception. Psalms 139:1-18 reminds us that each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, and God's thoughts toward her have always been immeasurable.

She will be remembered by those whom she loved, and, who loved her. In addition to those already above, are grandchildren, great grandchildren and adoring nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who knew her, loved her for who she was, and will keep her alive in memories.

Memorials can be directed to Cedar Valley Humane Society, 7411 Mt. Vernon RD, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, Amanda.knefley@cvhumane.org.