Jannes Kay Gordon, 75, of Ottumwa, died July 3, 2025 at her home.
She was born August 10, 1949 in West Union to Frank D. and Lavon Scott Brown. She married Steve Gordon June 23, 1967.
Growing up in Eddyville, Jannes graduated from Eddyville High School in 1967. Jannes and Steve were missionaries in Thailand before moving to Dallas, TX where she was in charge of the children’s department at Christ for the Nations Bible School for 3 years. They moved back to Iowa in 1993 and were foster parents for over 50 kids and adopted 5. Jannes was a wonderful mother.
Jannes was a member of Hickory Grove Community Church.
Surviving is her husband, Steve; their children, Stephanie Ridenhour of Texas, Chad (Jennifer) Gordon of Oklahoma, Jennelle Gordon of California, Dominique Gordon of Ottumwa, Dakota Gordon of Ottumwa and Beatrice Loesch of Germany; 7 grandchildren, Josh, Benji, Andrew, Hannah, Amadi, Smith and Eliza; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Larry (Vicki) Brown of Coralville and Terry Brown of Oskaloosa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and 2 sons, Miguel Isaac Gordon and John “Johnny” David Gordon.
Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 6th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
A service to celebrate her life will be 9 a.m. Monday, July 7th at Hickory Grove Community Church with Pastor John Johnson and Pastor Wes VanAntwerp officiating. Burial will be in Coal Creek Cemetery in Mahaska County.
Memorials may be made to Whatsoever You Do Women’s Shelter.
