Jeannine (Jeanie) June Paddock was born June 5th, 1943 in Oberlin, KS and passed away, Tuesday morning, September 30th, 2025 at 82 years old.
Jeanie is preceded in death by her daughter Kimberly Kay Smith, her husband Thomas Givens, her brothers Forrest “Joe” Paddock, Robert Paddock, Kermit “John” Paddock, sister Kay Johnson (Paddock), great grandchild Theodore Noud, mother Dorothy Paddock (Smith) and father Kenneth Charles Paddock.
She is survived by her daughter Tonja Renee Bisnette (John), Sister Colleen Tarman (Dave) of Tribune, KS. Grandchildren Brandon Smith, Kayla Nelson (Faron), Phillip, Joseph (Marisa), & Patricia Hicks. Great grandchildren Mason & Konnar Hicks, Eliana & Emilia Hicks, Tilian Noud, Isla & Callahan Nelson as well many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Jeanie was born and raised on a farm in Oberlin, KS, she grew up an honest farm kid helping her father Kenneth in the Paddock Seed House family business after he got out of the Navy, graduated 1961 from Decatur County High School, married Boyd Smith and started a family in Lebanon Kansas, birthed her two daughters in Smith Center and followed her dreams of living in beautiful California, moving her family in 1965. There she worked her way to Journeyman Maintainer in the Coil Department at Continental Can Company Steel Mill where she fought for workers’ rights being the only woman in her role, as well as the only woman Union Steward in the United Steelworkers of America Union at the time. She gave speeches for women’s rights in San Francisco, workers’ rights at the California Capitol of Sacramento, and always rooted for the little guy. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Los Medanos Community College in the 90s.
Jeanie moved back to Kansas in 1999 to retire and care for the rest of the family, where she bought a humble house and property to call home. She was selfless in her sacrifice for others, and into her later years continued to sacrifice when her body couldn’t, by regularly donating to many different charities. Her endless and unconditional love made her the most adored person wherever she went, and her zest for life made her the light of the party anywhere her smile sparkled. Heaven got a little brighter, Jeanie you will be dearly missed.
Graveside services will be at Downs Cemetery on Monday, October 13 at 10 a.m. Memorials may be made to Decatur County Last Indian Raid Museum in care of Schoen Funeral Home & Monuments 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, KS 67437. Online condolences to schoenfhm.com