Obituary

After a long battle with cancer, Mrs. Jean Frances Politte of Buckeye, Arizona passed into the arms of the Lord on March 11, 2024. She was born on June 27, 1939 to the late Lucille A. (Declue) and Everett J. Torrence. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Paul Torrence, Fred Torrence, and Carl Torrence. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband Donald Politte: sons Kevin (Teresa) Politte, Keith (Sandi) Politte, and Paul (Rachel) Politte; brothers Jerry Torrence, Morris Torrence, and Mike Torrence; and her sisters Donna Coats, Ruth Kuhlmann, and Margie Lentz. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Kyle, Kody, Kory, Danielle (Tommy), Katie, Cole, Crystian, and Connor; her extended family, and friends.

Jean was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Notre Dame High School (an all-girls Catholic school) in 1957. In 1956, Jean met her future husband, Don, at a birthday party for a mutual friend. When he bought a 1951 Ford, he drove it to Jean’s parents’ house to show her and take her for a ride. Jean didn’t want to go, but her mother made her go and thus began their 65 year adventure. The couple wed on June 21, 1958 and started lives together in St. Louis. Don was in the Air Force, and the family was stationed in North Dakota for a couple of years. In 1980, the family moved from St. Louis, Missouri to Phoenix, Arizona for Don’s job at Yellow Trucking.

Jean was an avid baker and cake decorator. Her children’s memories are filled with Jean in the kitchen with cake icing and baking flour everywhere. She was very proud of her baking and cake decorating skills. Jean was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a coffee group. She also volunteered to teach Religious Education and was a long time member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. In her free time, Jean enjoyed her annual trips to Laughlin, watch the Arizona Diamondbacks play baseball, playing cards, and spending time with her friends and family.

Jean’s proudest accomplishment was her family. She loved her husband and sons more than anything. She was a loving mother, but she didn’t take nonsense from anyone. What she said was gospel. She had a feisty personality, but was known for being there when you needed her. She was devout in her Catholic Faith, and though we will miss her, we know she is at peace.

A visitation will begin at 6pm, Tuesday, March 26 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. Interment will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.