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Jaynell Franklin Robidoux died peacefully on May 8, 2024 surrounded by family at Hiawatha Amberwell Hospital.  She had resided at Maple Heights in Hiawatha since December 2020.  She was 84.

Jaynell was born Frankie Jaynell Briggs in Lubbock, Texas on November 11, 1939, the daughter of Dorothy "Nanny" and Frank Lee Roy Briggs.  She was adopted by William "Grandaddy" Franklin on January 19, 1952 and named Lottie Jaynell Franklin.  As an only child, Jaynell enjoyed tremendous love, affection, and attention from her parents.

Jaynell married Donald Louis Robidoux on April 28, 1967, in San Angelo, Texas.  Don and Jaynell celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary together just days before she passed on to her heavenly home.

Jaynell taught her children the importance of loving the Lord, serving your neighbors, and respecting your elders.  After settling in Hiawatha in 1976, Jaynell and her family attended Zion Lutheran Church where she was active in LWML and Sunday school.  After serving her family as a homemaker raising Jim, Jackie, and Donell, Jaynell worked as the Executive Director of the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce where she organized the annual Hiawatha Halloween Parade.  She later worked as an executive assistant and office manager at Flair Fold and RHS.  After retiring, she earned an Associate's Degree from Highland Community College, and she then worked as a substitute teacher.  Jaynell also served on the BCDS Board of Directors.

Jaynell enjoyed bowling and attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren.  She was an avid reader, and she knitted or crocheted many warm items for numerous family members and friends.  She was an enthusiastic fan of the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys, and she watched football games on television until the very end.

Survivors include husband Donald, children Jim Robidoux (Emily) of Hiawatha, KS, Jackie Elliott of San Tan Valley, AZ, Donell Robidoux Zerkel (Brad) of Independence, MO, twelve grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James Smith (father of Jim), and husband Eugene Morrison (father of Jackie).

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.  Funeral services will be at Zion Lutheran Church, Hiawatha at 10:30 am, Friday, May 24 with burial services to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.  There will be a light lunch served at the church following the burial of the ashes.

Friends may call at the funeral home to sign register book beginning May 20 during office hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hiawatha Booster Club or Zion Lutheran Church, Hiawatha, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com