Ellen "Jean" J. White

   Ellen J. White “Jean”, 95, of Anchorage, Alaska, died peacefully in her home Monday, January 16, 2017, surrounded by family and loved ones.

   She was born June 16th, 1921 in Sioux City, Iowa to Michael and Ella (Van Putten) White. Jean graduated from Morningside College in Sioux City in 1943 with a B.S. in economics.  In her teen years, her passion for flying took off. While in College she learned to fly through a civilian pilot training program. In 1940 she obtained her private pilot certificate in a Piper J-3 F50 Cub and in 1944 joined the Air Force to pursue her passion. She served honorable for 26 years in five different states (including twice in Alaska). Jean retired as a Lt. Col in 1970 and completed her Masters of Education at William and Mary before returning to her beloved state of Alaska.

   After “retiring” Jean cared for her step-mother, Veryl Haines White, worked at and retired from several civilian jobs and volunteered until the end of her life.

   Jean was very active in her community and was a member of the United Methodist Church (First U M Church of Anchorage); Air Force Association (ARA); The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); Air Force Women Officers Associated (AFWAOA); Women in Military Services of America (WMSA); Providence Extended care center Auxiliary; Sunshine Circle; UMW; American Legion Post 21; and the Ninety-Nines (Women Pilots).

   Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her infant brother, William Leonard, her step-mother, and her sister, Lois Drake.

   Surviving her are seven nieces and nephews: Michael (Kathy) Drake, Ruskin, FL; Nancy (Jay) Wood, Bennet, NE; Ruth (Drake) Strathman and partner, Paul Fredrick, Park Rapids, MN; Elizabeth (Dan) Cook, Stuart, IA;  Marshall (Connie) Drake, Menlo, IA,  Richard (Vicki) Drake, Indianola, IA; and William (Audrey) Drake, Windsor, CO. She will also be greatly missed by her many great nieces and nephews, her Alaska “family” including Theresa Buzby, Melissa Breager,  and Amber Prather, and many dear friends.

   Not only in her military career, but also in her civilian life, Jean lived by the Air Force core values: “Integrity first- Service before self and Excellence in all we do”. She was a leader - helping to forge the way for women pursuing careers in the military. Jean inspired so many in her 95 years with the grand stories of her incredible life.  She will be sorely missed.

   We will be honoring Lt. Col. Jean White’s flight to heaven Sunday, January 29th, during a graveside service to be held at 2 pm in Graceland Park Cemetery 2701 S. Lakeport Rd, Sioux City, IA.  Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.