Jean Cavender, age 88, of Nevada, died Monday, May 1, 2017, at Story County Senior Care in Nevada.

A memorial visitation to celebrate Jean’s life will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada.  Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date. 

Born June 11, 1928, in Nevada, Iowa, Wilma Jean (Ackerman) Cavender was the daughter of Frank and Mary (Bates) Ackerman.  She lived her life in Nevada and worked at 3M in Ames, retiring in 1986.

Jean was a member of the Catholic faith.  She enjoyed antiques, her puppies and other furry friends, and was a talented seamstress, creating unique teddy bears for family and friends.  She had a green thumb, as evidenced by her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens.

She is survived by two daughters, Becky (Dan) Harp of Ankeny, and Cindy (Jeff) Calentine of Nevada; a daughter-in-law, Beth Lycke of Nevada; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.  Other survivors include four sisters, Dorothy (Russell) Beckley of Ames, Margaret Okland of Kelley, Evelyn Dyer of Story City, and Mary Elizabeth (Terry) Landis of Nevada; a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Ackerman of Ames; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, David Lycke; three brothers, Francis, Larry, and Paul Edward in infancy; and her faithful companions, Sasha and Peaches.

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Jean and her family.