Lila Jean Rousselot passed away on March 22, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas. She was 96. Jean was born on September 1, 1928, in Kidder, Missouri to Fred and Mildred Diven. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ernest Rousselot, son Michael Rousselot, her parents, brothers Don Diven (wife Ruby), and Dale Diven (wife Donna), and sister Patty Hill (husband Jack).In 1956 Ernie and Jean moved to Trenton, Missouri, and purchased the Western Auto Store which they owned and operated until 1974. Jean then joined Mercantile Bank of Trenton and retired in 1991 as a vice president. Her love for this community continued with involvement in civic, charitable, and religious organizations until she moved to Overland Park, KS in 2021.
Among her contributions were helping organize and serve on the first United Way of Grundy County Board, the first board of the Family and Friends of the Developmentally Disabled, and was a member of the original Missouri Days Committee. Jean served on the Trenton City Council for two terms and was on the Police Personnel Board for twelve years. Jean was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 60 years. Additional community involvement includes the Ninety-Nine Club, Grundy County Friends of the Arts, Trenton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Grundy County Museum Board, TYRO (Trenton Youth Recreation Organization), and Sweet Adelines. Jean was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for 64 years. Jean and Ernie’s proudest legacy in the community is contributing to the establishment and sustainability of the Community Food Pantry.
Trenton Business and Professional Women’s Club honored Jean as Woman of the Year in 1990. The Corporation for National and Community Service and the office of the President of the United States recognized Jean for outstanding service to the community in 2015. RSVP also recognized Jean’s volunteer service to the community spanning over 33 years and over 6,000 hours. Trenton Chamber of Commerce honored Jean as a “Pillar of the Community” in 2015.
Jean is survived by daughters Carol Nichols, husband Dennis of Leawood, KS; Ann Wright, husband Richard of Jenks, OK; and daughter-in-law Jan Rousselot of Littleton, CO; Grandchildren are Justin Rousselot of Longmont, CO; Emily Nichols of Kansas City, MO; Mark Nichols of Kansas City, KS; Patrick Wright of Norman, OK; and Peter Wright of Jenks, OK.; Great-grandchildren include Emma Rousselot, Brendan Rousselot, and Arlo Nichols. Also, are many beloved nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 8300 Quivira Rd., in Lenexa, KS on Saturday, April 6th at 10:30 AM. Contributions may be made to Community Food Pantry, 1703 Harris Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.
