Jean L. Hiles, 90, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born on January 13, 1936 in Normal, a daughter of Otto and Lois (Pulsipher) Schaefer. Jean married J. Wayne Hiles on July 27, 1958 in Saybrook and he preceded her in death on October 27, 2005.

 

Jean is survived by two sons; Scott (Heddamarie) Hiles of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin and Dale (Stephanie) Hiles of El Paso, Illinois; and four grandsons, Alexander (Alya), Benjamin, Nathaniel and Eric; and one brother, Larry (Sidney) Schaefer of Saybrook.

 

Besides her husband, Jean was also preceded in death by both of her parents; one son, David Hiles; two sisters, Ann Thacker and Carol Mossen; and two brothers, Dale Schaefer and John Schaefer.

 

Jean was a member of the Crescent City United Methodist Church. She was an educator for 20+ years as a home economics teacher and special education aide. Jean was very active with the Iroquois County Fair, 4-H Leader for 27 years, and a 2006 4-H Hall of Fame inductee. She was a member of the Republican Women's Club and the Retired Teachers Association. Jean was a volunteer for many years for the American Cancer Society, United Methodist Church Women’s Club, and the Iroquois County Historical Society. She was Precinct Committee woman and County Board member for many years.

 

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Crescent City with Ms. Robin Gregory and Rev. Kevin Nourie officiating. Burial will follow at the Body Cemetery near Woodland.

 

Memorials may be given to the Iroquois County 4-H Foundation; Crescent City United Methodist Church, or Iroquois County Historical Society.

 

Please share a memory of Jean at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.