Elizabeth Jean Nattier

November 13, 1920 - July 31, 2013 Elizabeth Jean (Mails) Nattier was born November 13, 1920 in Tonganoxie, KS to John and Eva Mails. She grew up in Tonganoxie where she was valedictorian of her high school class. Jean graduated from Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) in 1941 and began teaching kindergarten. In 1942 while teaching in Concordia, KS, she met Clayton Nattier who would become her husband of 68 years. In 1943 while Clayton was on active duty in the Army Air Corps, Jean moved to San Diego. There she worked for Western Airlines while also helping her sister with two young daughters while her sister's husband was at war. After Clayton returned from the war in the European theater, they were married July 14, 1945 in Kansas City, MO. Jean and Clayton then moved to Manhattan, KS and Jean again taught kindergarten while Clayton completed his degree at Kansas State College (now KSU) and subsequently began working as a petroleum engineer. When the first of their three children was born in 1949, Jean became the quintessential stay-at-home mom, lovingly guiding her children with the utmost patience, care, and common sense. She imparted life lessons without a hint of preaching and was a master in demonstrating what is truly important. Jean and Clayton made the first of many job-related moves to Chanute, KS in late 1949 and were there until early 1952 when they moved to Evansville, IN. Two more children joined the family - one while in Chanute and one in Evansville. Other moves occurred along the way as well and Jean took them in stride: Ashland, KY in 1971, Denver in 1975, Houston in 1977, and finally back to Denver in 1990 when Clayton retired. Throughout her life Jean was actively involved in church activities in the many communities where she resided. She immersed herself in spiritual self study and in Bible study groups making long-time friends in the process. She was actively involved in women's and children's ministries and taught Sunday school as well as giving children's messages. Additionally, Jean was a remarkable storyteller who used a vast library of resources to plan meaningful, informational and fun presentations in a variety of venues: nursing homes, schools, senior day care centers, and most recently at her own retirement community. Jean was a talented writer who easily penned short stories and poems on a variety of topics including her children and husband, politics, religion, philosophy, events from her childhood, and her musings about life. Jean was a gracious, gentle, and loving soul who always looked for and saw the best in others. She was tremendously loved and admired by her family, friends, and associates. Jean is survived by her husband, Clayton; three children: Jan Nattier, Jennifer (Thomas) Mindala, and Joseph (Toni) Nattier; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and two brothers. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Jean's life on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 10:30 AM at Phillips United Methodist Church, 1450 S. Pierce St., Lakewood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Phillips UMC, Collier Hospice Care Center, or a charity of your choice.