Elizabeth Jeane Dibble 1958-2015

Elizabeth Jeane Dibble (Elsey), age 56, of Freeburg, IL passed away on March 2, 2015 at her home, surrounded by family and friends after successfully surviving colon cancer for several years. Jeane was married to John Taylor Dibble on June 7, 1980 in Kewanee, IL. He survives as do their children, James Taylor (Anna Beasley) Dibble of St. Louis, MO and Katherine Elizabeth
Dibble of Austin, TX.

Jeane was born on May 26, 1958 in Hammond, Indiana to Janet D. Lane Elsey and Harold Elsey and older brother James. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Kewanee, IL and was joined by second brother, Kenneth.

After graduating from Kewanee High School in 1976, Jeane enrolled at MacMurray College, Jacksonville, Illinois, earning a special education degree in three years. After a brief time teaching she enrolled at Southern Ilinois University School of Law, Carbondale, IL, graduating in 1983. Jeane welcomed her son, James, in 1983 and daughter, Katherine, in 1985. She was a devoted mother and confidant, spending much of her free time at her children's sporting events, relaxing at the family cabin and traveling with her family.

Jeane balanced being a committed mother with a successful career. After working in local law firms, Jeane opened her own law office and practiced law in Marion, IL for several years. Concurrently, Jeane taught Family Law to SIUC undergraduates enrolled in its Paralegal Studies program. In 1995, Jeane took advantage of an opportunity to meld her two careers and accepted a position at Belleville Area College (now Southwestern Dlinois College) as director of a new Paralegal Studies program. She developed SWIC's program and was actively involved in teaching, recruiting, graduate placement, continuing program development and teachers' union representation until her illness forced her to leave the institution in early 2013. Many of her students from both schools have gone on to successful professions in the field of law; indeed, many have graduated from law school and have themselves become lawyers.

Her father, Harold, passed on May 19, 1999 and her mother, Janet, on June 4, 2012. Brother Jim survives, with his wife, Roxanne Elsey, of Bettendorf, lA, daughter Dr. Rachel Elsey of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and son Thomas Elsey, Boston, Mass. Brother Ken, his wife Jen Elsey and daughter Erica survive and live in Forsyth, IL.

Jeane's parents hailed from Mercer County, Missouri where she spent many vacation days at the homes of grandparents, aunts and uncles and where she learned self-determination and socialization skills from time spent with her five male cousins and two brothers. From these Mercer roots, Jeane leaves behind aunts Ann Young, Durant, IA; Frances (Harley) Wahl, Holt, MO; Mary Lou (Bob) Arnold, Eldridge, IA; June Shockey, Claycomo, MO; Jeane Henley,
Princeton, MO; and uncles Bob (Judy) Lane, Unionville, MO and Joe (Linda) Lane, Liberty, MO plus dozens of dear cousins. Also surviving are brothers-in-law Thomas (Debbie) Dibble of Marion, IL and Edward (Beverly) Dibble of Herrin, lL and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Her in-laws, Dr. Howard C. and Evelyn Dibble, and sister-in-law, Kathy Dibble, all of Marion, IL, also preceded her in death.

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Chris Bonjean
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