Jean Ann (Steele) Derickson

Jean Ann (Steele) Derickson, was born October 14, 1931 in Hamilton, Ohio. Her parents were Jack and Margaret Steele, and brother is Jack Steele. She married to Melvin "Dutch" Derickson, April 26, 1952..

Jean was an accomplished musician. As a youngster, she was part of a band with her local Darrtown, Ohio friends, and often served as the accompanist at elementary, intermediate, and high school programs.

She was a proud graduate of the Hanover High School, and remained active with the Hanover Alumni committee. Jean is a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood,  Chapter DC, and served in several offices, including music chairman for two state conventions.

Jean's first jobs included work at the office of W. P. Roudebush, treasurer of Miami University, followed by work at the Butler County Treasurer's office of John W. Wendel.

She taught music to many, and was an entertainer at the Eaton Manor Restaurant for ten years, every Friday and Saturday in the lounge.

Jean's work with the Baldwin Piano and Organ Company began as an instructor which led to sales and retail store management of the anchor store in the original Baldwin Building on Gilbert Avenue at the foot of Mount Adams.

Throughout the Derickson's long union, they were farmers and lifelong friends of the agricultural community. As a dedicated farm wife, Jean raised their daughter, Joy, and son, Tim; kept the books, helped with field work, and was a fantastic cook (and never got used to cooking for only 2). She advocated for agriculture throughout her life, starting with 4-H as a participant and volunteer. In 1948 she was a leader with southwest Ohio Farm Bureau Youth School. She served on the women's committee and was instrumental in moving the organization to have legislative impact and influence. Jean was the first female congressional spokesperson for Butler County and Ohio Farm Bureau. During her tenure, she wrote several articles about farm advocacy, state income tax vs. property tax, and county wide toll-free telephone services. She also worked cooperatively with the League of Women Voters.

In 1965, Jean was president of the Butler County Farm Bureau Women's Committee, responsible for legislation requiring the addition of warnings regarding flammability on aerosol cans. In 1966 Jean served as the dean of girls for several Farm Bureau Youth Schools. In 1969 Jean served as chair of the County Council Committee which organized new councils promoting the benefits of the Farm Bureau Co-Op and Federation. Later, as her music career flourished, she and Arizona Diamondbacks MLB organist, Bobby Freeman, entertained at a 1985 Butler County Farm Bureau annual meeting.

Their daughter Joy, died of cystic fibrosis in 1972, and Jean's most personal and passionate role was as caregiver and advocate for Joy's continual medical needs. Jean and Joy were with Cincinnati Children's Hospital often and participated in many experimental treatments and scientific studies to help bring awareness and advancement to the understanding of CF.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at the Woodland Country Manor for their loving care of Jean. Their impact on our community is profound.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dutch; son, Stephen; daughter, Joy; her parents, brother and sister-in-law Gene (Helen) Derickson, and sister-in-law, Pam Steele.

Jean is survived by son, Tim (Kelly) Derickson; brother, Jack Steele; sister-in-law Freda Derickson; grandchildren, Katie (Dave) Noble and Matt and Morgan Derickson; great-grandchildren, Henry, Johnny, and Anna Noble; nephews Jack, Joe (Amy), James (Kathy) Steele, and James (Char) Derickson; niece, Karen (Jack) Fetter; and many great nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be given to Licking County- OH54 Young Life PO Box 90 Granville, OH, 43023-0090, a ministry to middle and high school students or online. Donate by clinking here.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 12:30 until the time of her Funeral Service at 2:00 PM at Oxford Presbyterian Church, 101 N. Main St., Oxford, Ohio. Burial will follow in the Oxford Cemetery.