Mildred Jean Thomas

In 1935 at age 4 the family moved to a farm west of Anthony. Jeanne attended the country school, Valley Forge 1st through 5th grade. She often talked about walking the 2 miles to school and when the kids were a little older, they walked the milk cows to the pasture on the way to school and after school walked the cows back home. Later her dad built a horse drawn cart to make the journey easier. Jeanne loved life on the farm but especially horses. She mentioned she and some cousins went wild horse hunting in the desert of Idaho, it didn’t turn out to well! When the schools consolidated she attended 6th through 8th grade at Lincoln Grade School in Anthony.  It was about this time that she noticed her neighbor Bob. They would be driving tractors and stop and throw clods at each other across the road. Later they became high school sweethearts and after she graduated in May 1949, she married the love of her life, Bob Eslinger on August 23, 1949. To this union was born a son, Dan in 1950 and a daughter, Mary in 1952.

Jeanne and Bob shared a very strong faith, she being saved and baptized at age 18 during a revival at Central Baptist Church, and Bob at Ferguson Baptist Church. The Lord was the one that guided them all through their life. It was their mission to have their family know that happiness as well.

They lived and farmed their whole life around Anthony, except for 6 years near Argonia and 12 years near Forsyth, MO. They raised cattle and a herd of registered Nubian diary goats and African Boer goats, showing them in Kansas and surrounding states. Jeanne and Bob always worked side by side driving tractors and wheat trucks, gardening or milking, or whatever needed done on the farm. 

Jeanne and Bob loved their family and especially enjoyed their grandkids and great grandkids. They were very special to them. 

In 1996, Bob was diagnosed with leukemia. Jeanne was steadfastly by his side the 10-year journey and after almost 56 years of marriage, Bob went to his heavenly home on July 1, 2006. 

Jeanne stayed on the farm for the next 12 years with the help of her beloved family. She was so proud of each grandchild and great-grandchild and all they did to help her. She shared special memories of trips to Missouri with the 5 grandsons, Dave, Jason, Mike, Justin, and Bobby.  

In March 2018, after some health problems Jeanne moved to Heritage Estates in Harper. She received wonderful care and made many dear friends. After 6 ½ years, Jeanne needed more care and moved to Anthony Community Care Center in December 2024, where she also received great care. 

Jeanne’s faith was strong and immovable. She was a Sunday school teacher, a prayer warrior, always praying for the souls of her family, and a patriot and loyal defender of her country, family and friends.  

On February 9, 2025, Jeanne passed away at Anthony Community Care Center at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; siblings, Bob and Tuddy; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Jean Thomas, Ruth and Howard Bettis, Harold and Bill Eslinger.  

Jeanne will be dearly missed by her children, Dan and Ronda Eslinger and Mary and Dennis Francis; 5 grandsons: Dave (Azure) Eslinger, Jason Francis, Mike Eslinger (Trina), Justin (Christel) Francis, Bobby (Sami) Francis; 14 great-grandchildren: Ethan (NaKayla), Theron (Kaitlin), John, Jaden (Allie), Ely (Ashlyn), Keegan, Chloe, Maddy, Tipton, Emma, Jacelyn, Braxtin, Remi, and Rowan; 2 great-grandchildren: Tulsen Eslinger and Bennett Francis; other relatives and many friends.  

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony with Chaplain Rick Barnett and Pastor Warren Stanton officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Park Cemetery.

Registry and viewing will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7 p.m.

Memorials in memory of Jeanne may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice