Jeanette (Inman) Little

Jeanette (Inman) Little, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, left her earthly home on June 14, 2022 at the age of 75.  She was born on March 26, 1947 in Santurce, Puerto Rico to parents Henry and Olga Inman. After spending her first few months living amongst her parents and maternal grandparents in San Juan, they returned to the United States and settled in Midwest City, Oklahoma.  Growing up in Midwest City, and then later in Del City, Jeanette, or Janecita as her Puerto Rican family would often call her, was and continued to be a spitfire. One to always give her three brothers a piece of her mind, “Sis” was never afraid to stand up to them and tell them who was boss.

In early 1966, Jeanette met the love of her life, an Air Force Airman named Larry from Jackson, Michigan, and after a somewhat brief courtship, were married on December 9th of that same year. The newlyweds soon began what would become a 48-year whirlwind journey of relocations, new homes and raising a family. Daughter, Erica Whitney soon arrived, and six years later, son Frank Ryan joined them. Through all of these adventures, Jeanette was the family’s rock and kept the family steadfastly pointed in the right direction.

Jeanette was outgoing, gregarious and always fun to be around. She was friendly, devout, and as honest and pure as anyone could be.  Jeanette had many passions which drove her throughout her life. She loved to volunteer and serve her community, whether through her church, or many civic and social organizations. She could be counted on for anything, and more often than not, was. While serving others brought her much joy, she also found ample time to entertain. She loved to attend and throw parties and gatherings, and certainly didn’t even need an occasion to do so.

But above all, Jeanette truly had one dream which was second to none: to be a mother. She never missed an opportunity to be present and active in her children’s lives. From every Brownie and Cub Scout meeting to softball, tee ball and football games, to ensuring they were always doing the right thing, Jeanette was there. She was their biggest cheerleader through their successes, and was there to pick them up and brush them off when they fell. Having the job of “mom” brought her the most joy of all, and she, quite frankly, was extremely good at what she did. She loved her family unconditionally and that love was always evident to them and others.

After decades of battling an incurable disease, Jeanette is finally reunited with her eternal love, Larry. She leaves behind her daughter, Erica, son-in-law, John, and grandsons Daniel Reily and John Patrick of Wright City, Missouri, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and grandchildren Luke Ryan and Emory Claire, of Fort Collins, Colorado. She also leaves behind brother, Hank and wife Karen, and brother Johnny and wife, Carolyn. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, and love of her life, Larry James, her father Henry Ray Inman, mother, Olga (Paonessa) Inman, and brother Dennis James.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2022 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Father Christopher Kubat officiating.   Rosary will begin at 10:00 am, with mass at 10:30 am.   A Graveside service at the Vesta Cemetery, rural Tecumseh will immediately follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeanette’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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