Ellen J. "Jean" White 1921 - 2017

WHITE, VAN PUTTEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/15/2017 at 14:40:02

Sioux City Journal
26 January 2017

SIOUX CITY | Ellen J. "Jean" White, 95, of Anchorage, Alaska, formerly of Sioux City, died peacefully Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at her home, surrounded by family and loved ones.

We will be honoring Lt. Col. Jean White's flight to heaven during a graveside service to be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Graceland Park Cemetery, 2701 S. Lakeport Road, in Sioux City. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

She was born on June 16, 1921, in Sioux City, to Michael and Ella (Van Putten) White. Jean graduated from Morningside College in Sioux City in 1943 with a B.S. in economics. In her teen years, her passion for flying took off. While in college, she learned to fly through a civilian pilot training program. In 1940, she obtained her private pilot certificate in a Piper J-3 F50 Cub and in 1944 joined the U.S. Air Force to pursue her passion. She served honorably for 26 years in five different states (including twice in Alaska). Jean retired as a Lt. Col in 1970 and completed her master's of education at William and Mary before returning to her beloved state of Alaska.

After retiring, Jean cared for her stepmother, Veryl Haines White, worked at and retired from several civilian jobs and volunteered until the end of her life.

Jean was very active in her community and was a member of the United Methodist Church (First U M Church in Anchorage), Air Force Association (ARA), The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Air Force Women Officers Associated (AFWAOA), Women in Military Services of America (WMSA), Providence Extended Care Center Auxiliary, Sunshine Circle, UMW, American Legion Post 21, and the Ninety-Nines (Women Pilots).

Surviving her are seven nieces and nephews, Michael (Kathy) Drake of Ruskin, Fla., Nancy (Jay) Wood of Bennet, Neb., Ruth (Drake) Strathman and partner, Paul Fredrick of Park Rapids, Minn., Elizabeth (Dan) Cook of Stuart, Iowa, Marshall (Connie) Drake of Menlo, Iowa, Richard (Vicki) Drake of Indianola, Iowa, and William (Audrey) Drake of Windsor, Colo. She will also be greatly missed by her many grandnieces and nephews, her Alaska family including, Theresa Buzby, Melissa Breager, and Amber Prather; and many dear friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her infant brother, William Leonard; her stepmother; and her sister, Lois Drake.

Not only in her military career, but also in her civilian life, Jean lived by the Air Force core values: "Integrity first, Service before self and Excellence in all we do." She was a leader, helping to forge the way for women pursuing careers in the military. Jean inspired so many in her 95 years with the grand stories of her incredible life. She will be sorely missed.