Jeanne “Ellaine” Chaney, a long time resident of Willow Springs, passed away quietly at home in the presence of many family members. Finally free of pain, she was embraced by the arms of the Lord on the morning of September 28, 2025. Ellaine was born in Hilda, MO on March 29, 1936, to Arthur John Gilbert and Ida Else (Wenzel) Gilbert. She was 89 years old.
Ellaine attended high school in Willow Springs graduating with the class of 1954. After graduating, Ellaine moved to Kansas City where she worked in the clerical profession for three years. In 1958, Ellaine married the love of her life, Archie Chaney, to whom she was married for 62 years. Together they had six loving children. During their lives together, Ellaine worked at Conway-Winter shoe factory in Willow Springs for 17 years. After retiring, Ellaine loved to garden. She was most proud of her many flowers. She took great pride in her grand and great grandchildren, providing help as she could. Ellaine was very active and devoted to St. Paul Lutheran Church for many years. Through this love she became involved in AAL, (Association for Lutherans), Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, and Church Women United in the Willow Springs area. She will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all who knew her.
Ellaine was preceded in death by her husband, Archie; her parents, Arthur and Ida Gilbert; her sisters, Louise, Thelma, and Ethel (Eppie); and a great-grandchild, Richard.
She is survived by her children: Mike, Jim, Joe, Mary, Susan, and Steve; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Ellaine will be held from 6pm – 8pm, Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Willow Funeral Home, Willow Springs, MO. A memorial service will then be held at 10am, Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Willow Springs, MO with Pastors John Helmers and Keith Eegner officiating. Inurnment will follow at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Pomona, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
