Naomi “Jean” Otney

A memorial service for Naomi Jean Otney, who died August 9, will be held at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21. Graveside burial will be held at Grandview Cemetery in Albany, MO on September 22.

Naomi “Jean” Otney, 95, of Lawrence passed away Friday, August 9, 2019 after a short stay at Presbyterian Manor. She was born February 20, 1924, to Maude May and Ira Arthur Marsh in Hornick, Iowa and was preceded in death by sister, Maxine and brothers Rufus, Ted and Harlan Marsh.

Jean was valedictorian of her class in Darlington, MO, attended two years of college at Maryville, MO and taught school for several years during WWII.

She married Kenneth Hunter in 1942. They lived in Albany, MO and had five children: Marsha (deceased in 2018), Kathy Hunter of Springfield, MO, Karen (Mike) Brown of Burbank, CA, Bryan (Phyllis) Hunter of Lawrence, KS and recently from Stover, MO, Robert (Kathy) Hunter. Kenneth died in 1958.

Jean married J.R. Nelson in 1966 and moved to Kansas City, KS. J. R. Died in 1971. Darryl (Vickie) Nelson is a surviving stepson.

Jean had numerous jobs during her long life including Circuit Clerk, Avon and real estate sales. She worked at Bethany Hospital in KCK and Trinity Lutheran Hospital in KC, MO as an accredited records technician. She was a breast cancer survivor.

Jean married Jim Otney in 1983. They traveled extensively to play in bridge tournaments. Both Jim and Jean became bridge Life Masters. Jim died in 1995 and step-son J.J. (Tegan) of Blue Springs survives her.

Jean adored her grandchildren: Treina McClendon, Jessey Hunter, Josh (Danielle) Hunter, Sarah (Spencer) Treas, Allegra (J.J.) Knerr, Erica Hunter (Jeremy Hess), Nicole (Paul) Jones, and was especially fond of her great-grandchildren: Josh Jr. and Addie Hunter, Benjamin, Hunter and Charli Hess, Ashley and Jax Jones, and her first great-grandson, Taylor Staley, who she never got to meet and was always disappointed about that.

Jean moved to Lawrence, KS in 2002 and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi (since 1958) and the United Methodist Church. She was an excellent cook, known for her apple pie, and always looked forward to family dinners and reunions. She loved to garden, read and play bridge and watch Chiefs and the Jayhawks. Jayhawk Jean!

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in her name to LOL Duplicate Bridge Club, Kaw Valley Bridge Club or the First United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.