After a short illness, Jean Anna Shantz (nee Ruby) died on September 5, 2026, with family by her side. She was predeceased by her husband, Willard (Willie) Laverne Shantz; her brother, Ralph Ruby; and several beloved brothers and sisters-in-law. Survived by her children Lorrie (Ross), Colleen, Scott (Cindy), and Steve (Marcia), eleven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and oodles of much-loved nieces and nephews.

Jean grew up in Milverton and in recent years lived in the Nithview apartments and at the Parkwood Seniors Community. But for most of her life she lived in Baden, where she and Willie moved after marrying. There they enjoyed warm relationships with neighbours and active membership in Wilmot Mennonite Church.

Jean was both creative and industrious. She kept a large garden and spent the winter months knitting, sewing, and quilting. She loved to entertain, filling the table with her cooking, baking, and preserves—or at other times filling the tables of neighbours or friends who were sick or overwhelmed. Her handmade quilts have covered the beds of each of her children and grandchildren. Her love language was acts of service, and the quickest way to her heart was to relish her food. She enjoyed travelling, skating, and reading books with brave female heroines.

Employed for 21 years as a receptionist at the New Hamburg Medical Centre, Jean came to know many members of the community through her work. Following her retirement, she volunteered at Nithview Home and the MCC Thrift Store for several years. Like many women of her generation, Jean did not have the opportunity to pursue education in proportion to her abilities. Instead, she encouraged and supported her children on their paths. She found much satisfaction in each of those forms of service too.

The family extends thanks to the staff at Parkwood Assisted Living and Grand River Hospital for their compassionate care in the last months and days of Jean's life.

Visitation will be held at Wilmot Mennonite Church from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9. The funeral will be held at Wilmot Mennonite Church on Thursday, September 10 , at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch and an opportunity to visit with the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee through the funeral home website. Personal condolences can also be posted for the family at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, New Hamburg.