Jean Ingram

Jean Lowenstein Ingram, 85, passed away at 12:30 am Friday June 19, 2015 with her family by her side.She was born on June 12, 1930, in Sturgis, Kentucky, the daughter of James & Esther (Duncan) Samuel.As a child she accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized October 10, 1939, at Milton Heights Baptist Church in Alton, Illinois.Jean married Arthur Lowenstein on October 22, 1948, at the Kane Baptist Church and he preceded her in death on August 30, 2009.  On May 28, 2011, Jean married Eugene Ingram at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto.  He survives.Jean graduated from Jerseyville High School in 1948.  She worked at McDonnell-Douglas from 1954 to 1958.  She then earned a Bachelor's in Education from SIUE graduating in 1962.  Subsequently she earned two Master’s degrees, one in 1968 and the other in 1988.  She taught at Burbank Elementary in Roxana, Illinois, from 1962 until retirement in 1985, impacting over 600 children.  Mrs. Lowenstein taught second grade and during that time she mentored approximately 20 student teachers and field workers.  She served as chairperson for various committees, e.g., curriculum, scholarship, and program committees.  She assisted in the presentation of the Christmas programs and with the spring musicals. She also developed a program for gifted students which was implemented at Burbank School during her tenure.  In 1968 she joined a group of educators to visit European schools.  With the goal of broadening her teaching perspective, Jean and Art traveled during summer breaks, visiting the countries of England, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Europe, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Puerto Rico.  One of their favorite travel destinations was Hawaii.Her professional associations were the National Education Association and the Madison County Retired Teachers Association. Jean was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Alpha Eta Chapter.For many years, Jean was involved with the Stephen Ministry, meeting weekly to offer Christian care to people hurting and going through tough times.  Jean began her next career in 1990 as a counselor with Community Counseling Services in Edwardsville.  In 1996 when Jean retired, she continued to devote herself to listening and encouraging every person with whom her path crossed.  Fulfilling Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”She leaves behind to cherish her memory, two sisters-Fay Steckel and Pat Meeden, a brother, Allen Ambrose, and a brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Gail Ambrose, and many nieces and nephews, who were each precious to her as she was to them. Lastly, she leaves behind a woman she lovingly came to call her daughter, former second grade student, Kate Williams of Colorado Springs, Colorado.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto and will continue from 12:30 pm until time of Funeral Services at 1:30 pm Wednesday June 24, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto.Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.Memorials may be made to: Zion Lutheran Sunday School.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home