(Theresa) Jeanne Schuler Houser, 74, died March 30, 2026, at her home in North Newton, Kan., after a long battle with cancer. She was born Feb. 23, 1952, in Ransom, Kan., to Lawrence and Erma (Dechant) Schuler. 

She graduated from Ness City High School and Kansas State University. After graduation, she moved to Newton to work as a social worker. She began attending New Creation Fellowship Church and became a member of their intentional community.  

She met Gordon Houser in 1976 at the church. They were married Oct. 27, 1979. They welcomed son Ethan in 1983 and daughter Abri in 1987. As a family they enjoyed hiking, reading, games and being outside together.

Jeanne returned to school and graduated with her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas in 1994. She served as a school social worker and worked with elementary school students across 21 years. She made lifelong friends and impacted count­less lives of students.

She survived a bout with breast cancer in 1996. In 2006, she was diagnosed with thymoma and began treatment. She battled the cancer and the effects of radiation treatment for two decades. During this time, she made many trips to visit her children and grandchildren and traveled with Gordon to New Zealand in 2016. She entered hospice in June 2025 and spent her remaining months at home, punctuated by visits from family and friends.

Jeanne was known for her listening ear, thoughtful cards, quick wit and generous spirit. She had an innate ability to help people feel seen and heard.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon, of North Newton; son Ethan Houser of St. Louis; daughter Abri (Justin) Houser Hochstetler of Indianapolis; four grandchildren; brother Gary (Mary) Schuler; and sister Judy (Bob) DeFord. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Ken.

A memorial service was held at Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton. Memorial contributions may be sent to New Creation Fellowship Church (newcreationnewton.com).