Jeane was born on May 26, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to Janet D. Lane Elsey and Harold Elsey and older brother James. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Kewanee, IL and was joined by second brother, Kenneth.
After graduating from Kewanee High School in 1976, Jeane enrolled at MacMurray College, Jacksonville, Illinois, earning a special education degree in three years. After a brief time teaching she enrolled at Southern Illinois University School of Law, Carbondale, IL, graduating in 1983. Jeane welcomed her son, James, in 1983, and daughter, Katherine, in 1985. She was a devoted mother and confidant, spending much of her free time at her children’s sporting events, relaxing at the family cabin and traveling with her family.
Jeane balanced being a committed mother with a successful career. After working in local law firms, Jeane opened her own law office and practiced law in Marion, IL, for several years. Concurrently, Jeane taught Family Law to SIUC undergraduates enrolled in its Paralegal Studies program. In 1995, Jeane took advantage of an opportunity to meld her two careers and accepted a position at Belleville Area College (now Southwestern Illinois College) as director of a new Paralegal Studies program. She developed SWIC’s program and was actively involved in teaching, recruiting, graduate placement, continuing program development and teachers’ union representation until her illness forced her to leave the institution in early 2013. Many of her students from both schools have gone on to successful professions in the field of law; indeed, many have graduated from law school and have themselves become lawyers.
Her father, Harold, passed on May 19, 1999, and her mother, Janet, on June 4, 2012. Brother Jim survives, with his wife, Roxanne Elsey, of Bettendorf, IA, daughter Dr. Rachel Elsey of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and son Thomas Elsey, Boston, Mass. Brother Ken, his wife Jen Elsey and daughter Erica survive and live in Forsyth, IL.
Jeane’s parents hailed from Mercer County, Missouri, where she spent many vacation days at the homes of grandparents, aunts and uncles, and where she learned self-determination and socialization skills from time spent with her five male cousins and two brothers. From these Mercer roots, Jeane leaves behind aunts, Ann Young of Durant, IA, Frances (Harley) Wahl of Holt, MO, Mary Lou (Bob) Arnold of Eldridge, IA, June Shockey of Claycomo, MO, and Jeane Henley of Princeton, MO; and uncles, Bob (Judy) Lane of Unionville, MO, and Joe (Linda) Lane of Liberty, MO; plus dozens of dear cousins.
Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Thomas (Debbie) Dibble of Marion, IL, and Edward (Beverly) Dibble of Herrin, IL; and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her in-laws, Dr. Howard C. and Evelyn Dibble, and sister-in-law, Kathy Dibble, all of Marion, IL, also preceded her in death.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.elizabethjeanedibble.com.
A memorial service officiated by Rev. Lynn Martin, Evansville, IN, will be scheduled shortly.
Condolences Left For Elizabeth Jeane Dibble
Prayers and hugs to family and friends of Mrs. Dibble. After years out of school and going back as an adult, she helped me greatly to achieve my dream of obtaining my Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies. She met with me, emailed me, talked on the telephone various times and encouraged me to continue my education. My heart goes out to all that was touched by this amazing woman.
Tonya Hearty, Waterloo, Illinois, 62298
An excellent instructor and human being. A great loss.
Jack Wesley Calve II, Granite City, Illinois, 62040
I am terribly saddened to learn of Jeanie’s passing. She was always kind to me and I will remember her fondly. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time. You are all in thought and prayer.
Cindy Henley-Freeman, Garland, TX, 75043
We are very saddened to hear of Jeane’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.
Karl & Michele Sturm, Freeburg, IL, 62243