Jean Franklin

Jean “Jeanie” Ellen (Hendrickson) Franklin, age 75, was born on November 15, 1950, in Springfield, Missouri, to Harold R. Hendrickson and Anna B. (Walker) Hendrickson. She passed away peacefully at Cox South Hospital after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Jeanie spent most of her life in Bolivar, Missouri, where she became a cherished member of the community. She graduated from Bolivar High School in 1968 and was a lifelong member of Mt. Gilead Methodist Church in Bolivar. For more than 30 years, she worked at Southwest Electric Cooperative, where she was known for her dedication and kindness.

Jeanie had a servant’s heart and was a caregiver in every sense of the word. She touched countless lives through her compassion, generosity, and willingness to help others. Whether caring for family, friends, or neighbors, she made everyone feel loved and valued.

In 1969, Jeanie married Gary K. Franklin. Although their marriage later ended, together they welcomed three daughters: Laura, Leslie, and Leah, who became the greatest joy and accomplishment of her life. Her love only grew with the arrival of her grandchildren, who were truly her greatest blessings.

Jeanie was also a talented gardener and seamstress. Her yard was her sanctuary and a source of pride admired by all who knew her. She lovingly crocheted baby blankets, quilted wedding gifts, and hemmed clothes for many friends and family members over the years. Her creativity and care could be seen in everything she made.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jeanie is survived by her siblings, Elizabeth Campbell, Richard Hendrickson, and Robert Hendrickson; her daughters and their families: Laura and Jeremy Montgomery, Leslie Franklin and John Gorman, and Leah and Eric Gonzales; and her beloved grandchildren: Mia Montgomery, Collin Montgomery, Jay Gorman, Gavin Gorman, Adrian Gonzales, and Annabelle Gonzales. She also leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

An informal celebration of life is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Mt. Gilead Methodist Church, located at 1457 E. 464th Road, Bolivar, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jeanie’s honor to Special Olympics Missouri, 3524 S. National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807, or to the Will Hendrickson Scholarship Fund. Checks for the scholarship fund should be made payable to the Bolivar Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 431, Bolivar, MO 65613, with “Will Hendrickson” noted in the memo line.

Arrangements were entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.