Jean R. Hinkle

Jean R. Hinkle, 79, of Dongola, and formerly of Jackson, Mo., died at 10:04 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born on Feb. 18, 1943, in Belleville, and adopted by Edward O. and Bess Rodgers Baierbach of Elmhurst in October 1943. 

She married Bennie Hinkle on June 13, 1987. He survives.

She was a graduate of York High School in Elmhurst and attended Shawnee Community College. 

She worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. She loved horses, bird watching, dogs, gardening and playing the piano. She also enjoyed RV traveling with her husband Ben. She was a great cook and was always eager to teach her skill. 

She was of  the Lutheran faith and was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Dongola for over 35 years. Her family was her joy above all.

She is survived by her husband, Ben Hinkle of Dongola; daughter Susan (Tim) McDowell of Jackson, Mo.; sons  Scott (Carrie) Krause of Broken Arrow, Okla., and Jerry Krause of Dongola; grandchildren Brett (Laura) McDowell, Blake (Rhea) McDowell, Taylor (Logan) McDowell, Alynna (Cody) Hillman and Hadyn Krause; great-grandchildren Brantley McDowell, Eleanor McDowell, Eli McDowell and Oliver McDowell; nieces Jenny Dudasik of Glendale Heights and Carol Sue Melton of Clermont, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Susan B. Alley; and her best friend, whom she considered a sister, Martha A. Vandivort.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at the First Lutheran Church in Dongola, with the Rev. Cherie Riedel officiating

Interment will follow at a later date in Hinkle Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Hinkle Cemetery or to the First Lutheran Church in Dongola.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Dongola is in charge of arrangements.