Jeanette Claassen Mcgill

Jeanette Ann Juarez Claassen-McGill was born on September 26, 1980, to Santos Maribel Juarez, in Houston Texas, and died at her home in Newton, Kansas on September 8, 2021.  At age 2-3, she attended the church preschool where her committed Christian teacher recognized Jeanette’s particular gifting…that of a lover!  She was baptized at the Church of the Redeemer Episcopal, Houston, and adopted by Sara Claassen on May 9, 1988.   They memorized and spoke Psalm 23 together at that service.

Jeanette grew up in Houston, graduating with honors for community service and for academic achievement in the top 10% of her class at Austin Public High School.  She especially enjoyed a class in photography, as well as being an assistant to the school nurse.  She enjoyed times out at “Aunt” Joanne Giles’ ranch in Cuero, Texas, with the bluebonnets and watching the falling stars.  Summers were times to take swimming classes and participate in competitions.  She was a great swimmer, best at the butterfly stroke.   Animals were always her delight, including cats, dogs, a rabbit and some ducks.  Living in an hispanic neighborhood, she was informally mentored in Mexican cooking by Marie Soto and later became a world-class gourmet cook herself.

As a teenager Jeanette participated in two mission trips.  The first was with the Episcopal Church to a home for orphaned girls in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.  The second was with the youth group from Good News Church in Houston to Mexico.

Her first job after high school was working for an orthotics company as receptionist and helping children get fitted for braces, and various supportive devices.  Later she was employed by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.

After moving to Kansas, she took classes at Hutchinson Community College, Newton branch, and also worked there as a receptionist.  On June 9, 2018, she and Travis McGill were married in Hesston, Kansas.  She was a member of Kingdom Life Ministries Church, Hesston.  Jeanette was a great lover and

this was obvious in her love for the Lord.  She loved Jesus deeply, encountering Him through worship, prayer and reading the Word, and would encourage others in their walk with the Lord as well.

Jeanette passionately enjoyed cooking.  It was her favorite recreation.  She loved to share her gourmet meals with everyone.  It gave her a lot of pleasure when people liked her cooking.  We remember her friendly, outgoing personality, demonstrated by generosity, love and care for others.  Despite dealing with many challenges related to diabetes including numerous hospitalizations over the years, her love and care for others remained.

She is survived by her husband, Travis McGill, Kansas;  mother, Sara Claassen, Kansas; Aunt Eleanor Hiebert (Ken), Pennsylvania; Uncle Mark Claassen (Lillian), Texas; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and godkids.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Kingdom Life Ministries in Hesston, Kansas with Pastor Scott Miller presiding.  A graveside committal will be precede the memorial service at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Kansas. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Travis McGill to help offset expenses.