Jean Carlston Obituary

Jean Graham Carlston passed away on July 22, 2023 at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will be held on July 31, 2023 at Iles Westover Chapel beginning at 11 am with a visitation an hour prior. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.

Jean was born on October 24, 1920 in Des Moines, Iowa to James and Mary Graham. She graduated from East High in 1938 and shortly after began working at Northwestern Bell as a phone operator. Jean married Russell Linne Carlston on May 25, 1944 and they made their home here in Des Moines. They welcomed their first daughter, Cindy, in 1946 and their son, Brent, in 1951.

Jean loved her family, dogs, and reading. She was very involved in several social groups including Windsor Presbyterian Church and TOPS. Her family will remember her as being a steadfast woman.

Jean is survived by her daughter-in-law, Barbara Carlston; niece, Mary Jo (George) Cosson; grandchildren, Michelle (Sharon) Wolfe, Scott (Stacy) Wolfe, Eric (Tommi Kay) Wolfe, Emily (Josh) Hulling, Katie (Chris) Saldanha; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell; parents, James and Mary Graham; children, Cynthia Wolfe and Brent Carlston; sister, Harriett Ellis; and granddaughter, Janelle Wolfe.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League. Online Condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

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