Evelyn Jean McSpedden Netardus passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2020, in Pleasanton, Texas, at the age of 86. She was born June 14, 1934, to John Francis McSpedden and Evelyn Gertrude (McDougald) McSpedden in Fort Stockton, Texas. Jean, as she was known by family and friends, graduated from Fort Stockton High School in 1952. She remained working in Fort Stockton a few years before taking a leap of faith to move to Jourdanton, where a friend had informed her that the local hospital was training girls to be Licensed Practical Nurses. While working at Jourdanton’s Mercy Hospital, and with a little prodding from the nuns who ran the hospital, Jean met and fell in love with Blaise Netardus, whose father was a patient. They were married on June 11, 1962. This seemingly ended Jean’s short nursing career, as she and Blaise had six children in rapid succession! Jean enjoyed her time at home raising her growing family.
After her kids were older and in school, Jean worked as a secretary at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church for several years. This was a time when Jean and Blaise were very busy, enjoying every one of their children’s activities--sports, band, UIL, FFA, FHA, etc. Jean truly was a fan, cheering them on through Junior High and High School. For all six children to then go on and graduate from Southwest Texas State University was a source of great pride for Jean and Blaise.
Her “empty nest” did not last long, as Jean decided to take on the task of babysitting from home. Many local children benefited from “Aunt Jean’s” loving care. As this continued through the years, “Uncle Blaise” became part of the business after he retired. By this time, Jean and Blaise had grandchildren, and the local grandchildren were fortunate to have their grandparents help raise them. Their ten grandchildren were Jean and Blaise’s pride and joy, and they cherished the time they spent with each of them.
Many things made Jean happy, such as a quiet read with a good book, a spirited game of Scrabble with her sisters-in-law, mastering the daily crossword puzzle, or her nightly competition with her TV Jeopardy opponents. But more than any of these were the times her house was full of family. Even after her hearing failed, just to have everyone buzzing around her made her feel extremely blessed.
Over the years, Jean was involved with many organizations: KJZT, KJT, Catholic Daughters, Altar Society, Band Boosters, Little League, and Cub Scouts, to name a few. Family, church, and these social organizations gave Jean a busy, active life for many years. In her waning years, and no surprise to her family, Jean preferred a more reclusive life, in the comfort of her home.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents and all four of her siblings, Delvyne Posey, John Larry McSpedden, Vicki Williamson, and Judy Gerbert. She was also preceded in death by Blaise, her loving husband of 53 years.
Jean is survived by her much-loved children and their families: Debbie Netardus of Jourdanton; Susan Netardus of Jourdanton; Frances and David Soward and their children Will and Erin of Jourdanton; Stephen and Gretchen Netardus and their daughter Maggie of Luling; Anthony and Jennifer Netardus and their children Samuel, Isabelle, Olivia, and Audrey of Cuero; and Phillip and Tanya Netardus and their children Molly, Thomas and Annie of Jourdanton. Jean is also survived by brother-in-law David Williamson and sister-in-law Nancy McSpedden, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Pallbearers will be Will Soward, Samuel Netardus, Thomas Netardus, Russell McSpedden, Neal McSpedden, Dell Mack Posey, Greg Williamson, and Jason Netardus.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2021, from 5 PM-7 PM, immediately followed by a Rosary, both at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be Thursday, January 7, 2021, at 9:30 AM at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church.
Memorial donations may be made to "St. Matthew's Building Fund" and mailed to St. Matthew's Catholic Church. 1608 Campbell Ave. Jourdanton, Texas 78026.
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