Jean Lucile Zuill, 98, of Whitewater passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Hearthstone Memory Care. Jean was born on April 20, 1926 in the Town of Lima to Howard and Florence (VanDuser) Hunt.
Along with her brother Van, she grew up on their family farm in Lima. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1944. For a short time, Jean worked at the Parker Pen Company in Janesville. She married David “Dave” Zuill on August 9, 1947 in Whitewater. Upon marriage and having their two daughters, Janet and Mary, Jean undertook the meaningful job of mother and homemaker.
Jean enjoyed baking and crafts, and she was well known for her handmade teddy bears, macrame chairs, and Christmas ornaments. She was very involved in the UCC Congregational Church of Whitewater as a Sunday school teacher, member of the Congregational Ladies Circle, and Call to Care senior visit program. She was forever a dedicated fireman’s wife, even well after her husband’s passing. Water aerobics followed by coffee at McDonald’s was a favorite activity of hers for many years. Jean was surrounded by many devoted friends who she cherished throughout her life.
Jean is survived by her daughters Janet Morrow of Whitewater and Mary Zuill of Wausau; granddaughters Liz (Todd) Hinz of Roseville, Minnesota, Amy (Jazet) Ayala of Sussex, and Laura (Jason) Jacobs of Firestone, Colorado; and great-grandson Caden Ayala. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave, her parents, and her brother.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hearthstone Memory Care and Rainbow Hospice Care who cared for Jean in her final years. Donations can be made in Jean’s name to the Whitewater Fire Department or Rainbow Hospice Care. A graveside service will be held in April 2025.
