Jean Hennen Ostendorf

With heavy hearts, the family of Cleva Jane "Jean" Ostendorf, of Holly Hill, South Carolina, announces her peaceful passing on July 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Jean was born on July 24, 1945, in Franklin, Ohio, to the late Mary L. Hennen and Paul D. Hennen.

Jean was preceded in death by her devoted husband of more than 60 years, Senior Master Sergeant John Frank Ostendorf, United States Air Force (Ret.), who passed away on January 22, 2026. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, loyalty, and unwavering devotion. Through military life, raising their family, and every season in between, they remained each other's greatest source of strength. Their family finds comfort in knowing they are reunited once again.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Herbert W. Hennen; and her beloved grandson, Travis Michael-Lance Fuller.

Jean is survived by her loving children, Synthia Darlene Ostendorf and John Paul Ostendorf and his wife, Tiffany Ostendorf.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Megan Darlene Quick; John Thomas Ostendorf and his wife, Ashlee Ostendorf; Madison Leigh Ostendorf and her fiancé, Justin Taylor; and Connor Wayne Ostendorf and his wife, Andrea Ostendorf.

Nothing brought Jean greater joy than being "Grandma" and "Great-Grandma." She is lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Denise Fuller; Carter Lee Ostendorf; Elsie Margaret Taylor; Hazel Irene Taylor; and Henry Scott Taylor, with great-granddaughter Clover James Ostendorf expected in October 2026.

She is also survived by her brother, Paul D. Hennen Jr., along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Jean found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved. An exceptional baker and talented seamstress, she expressed her love through homemade meals, baked treats, and countless handmade treasures. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she cherished worshiping with her church family at Holly Hill Baptist Church. Her home was always filled with warmth, kindness, laughter, and unconditional love, and the memories and traditions she created will be treasured for generations.

As the wife of a United States Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, Jean embraced the sacrifices of military life with grace and resilience. While John faithfully served his country, Jean faithfully served her family, creating a loving home and providing the steadfast support that made his career possible.

Although her family grieves the loss of her earthly presence, they find peace in knowing she is no longer separated from the love of her life. Together again, John and Jean leave behind a legacy measured not in possessions, but in the family they built, the values they instilled, and the love they shared for more than six decades.

The family will receive friends to celebrate Jean's life on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd. Holly Hill, South Carolina.

As family and friends gather to celebrate Jean's life, they will also honor what would have been her 81st birthday—a fitting tribute to a life so beautifully lived and a reminder of the love, joy, and memories she gave to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Jean's caregivers, Asia Davis, Alice, and La-cita for the exceptional love, comfort, and dignity they provided during her final days. The family is also deeply grateful to the entire hospice team at Lexington Community Hospice House for their kindness, dedication, and compassionate care throughout Jean's final journey.

Jean was blessed to have Madison Ostendorf, her granddaughter, and Mackenzie Dangerfield, her step-granddaughter, by her side throughout the final months of her life. Each provided love, comfort, companionship, and care that brought peace not only to Jean, but to the entire family. The devotion they showed and the memories they created with her will forever be cherished.

Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma—thank you for every hug, every sacrifice, every lesson, every homemade meal, every stitch sewn with love, and every moment you gave so selflessly to your family.

Welcome home, Jean. John has been waiting for you. Together again, hand in hand, your love story continues. The lessons you taught, the traditions you created, and the family you cherished will carry your legacy forward for generations to come.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (phone).