Fountain, Jean

Jean Fountain, 95, of Iowa City, died peacefully Sunday, June 17, 2012, at Mercy Hospice following a short illness. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Jean's life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society or to the American Heart Association.

Jean was born on May 3, 1917, in Dumont, Iowa, the daughter of William and Florence (Rigby) Austin. She attended school in rural Butler County, Iowa, and graduated from Dumont High School. Jean later went on to earn her BA from Iowa State University and her MA from Columbia University. On Aug. 9, 1942, Jean married Howard D. Fountain.

Jean was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Dumont, and the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City. She enjoyed the outdoors, birds, flowers and working on crossword puzzles. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and a great friend to all.

Survivors include her four children, Daniel J. Fountain (Ann), Christopher P. Fountain (Audrey), all of Iowa City, Darlene Wind of Albuquerque, N.M., and Emma Lou Graham of Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Wendy Fountain of North Liberty, Megan Engler of Cedar Rapids, Dawn Ranshaw Cooper of Iowa City and Trent Graham of Iowa City; and four great-grandchildren, Ainsley, Alyssa and Andrew Cooper, all of Iowa City, and Sterling Fountain of North Liberty.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard D. Fountain; three brothers, Ralph, Edwin and Arthur; one sister, Charlotte A. Mills; and a grandson, Todd Graham.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Visiting Nurses Association and to Iowa City Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Jean during her final days.

Online condolences may be left at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette June 19, 2012.