Jeanne Elizabeth Connel

Jeanne Elizabeth Connel, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, 73, of Tallmadge, Ohio, succumbed to cancer on August 13, 2026, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

She was born in Los Angeles, California on March 16, 1953 to John and (Ruby) Norene Elkins, later moving to Abilene, Texas where she grew up. Jeanne married her husband of 54 years, (Gary) Mike Connel in 1972, and together they raised their 4 children while moving around the country, eventually landing in Ohio.

Jeanne was a devoted mother to Sydney (Scott) Long, Shelby (Michael) Crow, Seth (Cristi) Connel, and Samantha (David Schmac) Luyster. She was grandmother to Knute Long (Samantha Johnson), Hunter (Katelyn) Connel, Garrett Long, (John) Carter (Emma) Long, William Connel-Limer, Aulton Luyster, and Etta Luyster. She was also great-grandmother to Malcom Long and Lincoln Long. She was also a foster parent to more than 70 children and served for a time as the President of the Foster Parent's Association of Texas. She always said she knew she was meant to be a mother, and everyone who knew her felt that in the love and support she provided.

Jeanne was also a fierce friend and could light up any room. Her laugh was contagious and her generosity immeasurable. She is survived by her dearest friends Helen Eyssen, Ruth (Paul) Dickey, Suzy (Jim) Langford, and her cousin Shirley (Don) Baber who will miss her terribly.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents John and Norene Elkins, her sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Don Rogers, her niece Christy Rogers, and is survived by her brother Phillip (Norma) Elkins, brother-in-law John (Lisa) Connel, sister-in-law Patricia (Mark) Lappa, cousins Randy Haile, Ricky (Lana) Haile, and Don (Sylvia) Haile, and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, "sons" and "daughters" who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

Please join Jeanne's family for a celebration of her life on Saturday, September 12th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the MCM Elegante hotel in Abilene, Texas, located at 4250 Ridgemont Drive. Casual attire is encouraged and food will be served. We were told by her we weren't allowed to have a memorial, so instead we plan to visit with loved ones and share our favorite memories of her. A special rate for hotel rooms at the Elegante is available for the 12th, please reach out by August 29th if interested.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the American Cancer Society in Jeanne's name.