Jeanene Raridon Upton 1933-2022

Jeanene Raridon Upton was born on April 25, 1933 in Newton, Iowa to Letha Woods Raridon and Jack Allison Raridon and departed this life on Feb. 1, 2022 in Tyler.

Jeanene attended a one-room schoolhouse in rural Kellogg, Iowa in her elementary years. She graduated in 1951 from Grinnell High School. 

Jeanene married Thomas Harry Upton Jr. on April 25, 1952 in Newton. Shortly after marriage, the newlyweds headed to Texas to start their married life and family. They settled in Garland and raised four children.

Jeanene was very active in Bluebirds and Camp Fire Girls. She also was involved in the Garland Republican Women’s Club and was a volunteer on local, state and national campaigns. She made sure her kids were exposed to books at the library from a young age. Every summer Jeanene loaded up the kids and dogs and headed to Iowa in a Ford station wagon. The family farm in Jasper County was a wonderful place for her kids to learn about country and farm living. Her grandfather, Sherman Woods, was everyone’s favorite. Summers in Iowa changed us for the better. Even after all the kids moved away, Jeanene made her annual visit to Iowa. 

In 1971, Tom and Jeanene purchased 48 acres of woods in rural Van Zandt County southeast of Grand Saline, which they named Sherman Woods. For the next two years, most weekends were spent at the “farm” working to build a new home. Jeanene and Tom, with their youngest two kids, moved to rural Grand Saline in the fall of 1973. Tom commuted to his job in Garland until he retired in 1990. The nearest Walmart was in Mineola – that was the place to shop. Mineola became the new hometown. 

Jeanene lost Tom in 1993 after 42 years of marriage. She remained at her home on the farm. Several years later, Jeanene starting volunteering at the Mineola Memorial Library. She joined the board of directors and was the treasurer for many years. Whenever we called or saw Mom, she gave us the “library report.” She was very proud of her volunteer work, especially helping with the monthly book sale. Jeanene also volunteered with the APET-SPCA Animal Shelter in Mineola. She especially loved the kitties. Jeanene was also active in the FCE Home Demonstration Club. Jeanene began traveling with her brother Richard and sister-in-law Mona. They visited New Zealand, Australia and made numerous trips to Europe and all around the U.S.

Jeanene is survived by her children, Thomas Upton, Ed.D. and wife Bobbie of Rowlett, Leil Upton Gross of North Richland Hills, Laurel Upton of Mineola and Richard Upton and wife Cindy of Grand Saline; grandkids, Michael Jay, Marcia, Kevin, Thomas and Kacie; great-grandkids, Katelynn, Harper, Trinity, Nathan, Travis, Jeb, Aly and Tristin; and great-great grandkids, Eriden and Graham.

Jeanene’s memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Mineola Fellowship Hall on Feb. 27, 2022 at 2 p.m., officiated by Rev. Ron Brey. A reception will follow at the Mineola Memorial Library.

The family wants to thank all of those that help celebrate Jeanene’s life and for all the well wishes and prayers that were received.

Donations in Jeanene’s memory can be made to the Mineola Memorial Library, 301 North Pacific St., Mineola, TX  75773.