Maurine Jarrett, a beloved figure in her community, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on October 25, 1930, in a farm home near Cosby, Missouri, to Edward and Edna Heinz, she lived a life rich in love, music, and dedication to her family and community.
Growing up on her family farm, Maurine learned the value of hard work early on. She attended the Prairie Valley one-room schoolhouse, where she walked over a mile each day. Her childhood was filled with music as she took piano lessons and later began teaching others. After graduating from Savannah High School in 1948, where she played clarinet in the marching band, Maurine worked at Ely Walker in St. Joseph before embarking on a new chapter in her life.
In 1952, Maurine married James (Jim) Jarrett, a Marine veteran of the Korean War. Together, they purchased a farm east of Cosby, where they spent the next 63 years of their lives. The couple raised two sons, James Jr. and Gary, and Maurine cherished her role as a mother, fostering a nurturing environment filled with love and patience.
A Lifelong Commitment to Music and Community
Music was an integral part of Maurine’s life. For over 75 years, she played the piano and organ at various events, including weddings, church services, and nursing homes. Her commitment to her craft was evident when she performed a concert at Mosaic Hospital at the age of 92, at the request of the hospital’s CEO. Maurine also sang with the Sweet Adelines during the 1960s, showcasing her passion for music across different genres.
As a dedicated member of the community, Maurine served as the organist and pianist at the Clarksdale Methodist Church until its closure in 2023. Following this, she attended Bethel Baptist Church near Cosby, where she continued to play piano and share her love of music. Her favorite hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and her cherished Bible verse, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, reflected her deep faith.
Maurine’s career path included 22 years of teaching piano to local youths, where her kind and patient nature left a lasting impact on her students. She later joined what is now Boehringer Ingelheim in St. Joseph, working as a research technician for 21 years. Her contributions to animal vaccine discovery earned her respect within the scientific community.
A Legacy of Love and Generosity
Maurine’s life was marked by her generosity and compassion for others. She was a charter member of the local Friendly Twenty Club for over 50 years, engaging actively in community activities and initiatives. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and spending time in nature, often expressing her desire for her loved ones to remember her with every falling star.
She is survived by her sons, James Jr. (Suzan) of Cosby and Gary (Jill) of Kansas City, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family remembers her as a beautiful person, both inside and out, whose smile and loving personality warmed the hearts of those around her.
Maurine’s passing is felt deeply by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. Private family services will be held at a later date, honoring her wishes. Online condolences can be shared at www.meierhoffer.com.
The family expresses gratitude to Freudenthal Hospice and Abundant Acres nursing home for their compassionate care during her final days. Maurine Jarrett’s legacy of love, music, and dedication to family will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
