Jerri Linn Francis

Jerri Linn (Newville) Francis, 58, passed away unexpectedly on December 1, 2025, in an automobile accident. She was born on October 29, 1967, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Jerry Don Newville and Linda (Martin) Newville. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will be cherished by her family and friends.

Jerri was a proud graduate of Moore High School, class of 1985. She was united in marriage to Noah Francis on July 22, 1989, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They cherished the love and life they built together.

Throughout her career, she served as an Administrative Assistant for the 31st District Judicial Center at the Neosho County Courthouse and in various roles in public schools, where she was known for her professionalism, unwavering commitment to her work, and her love for others.

Jerri Linn, mom, sweetie, babe, Jer-Bear, Weasel, “gram gram,” “glam-ma” was one of the kindest, sweetest, most loving people that you have ever met. She loved life, loved her family, and loved people.

Jerri displayed unconditional love for everyone that she met, always striving to help make others smile and feel loved. She loved to help serve others. A great way to describe this precious lady: Peace - a settling and calming presence during times of heartache, pain and maneuvering the unknown; Love - unwavering and unconditional love with all those she crossed paths with; Joy - mom’s smile and laugh was contagious and brought happiness into any room; Goodness and kindness - going hand in hand, mom helped show others their self-worth having never known a stranger, and always used the phrase “Always Stay Humble and Kind;” Patience - no matter how frustrating life or family could be, mom’s calmness and understanding always provided a safe-haven of serenity; Faithfulness - mom’s loyalty in friendships with others was second to none, always keeping her word to those she gave it to; Gentleness and self-control: mom brought a tender and soft touch to the most fragile situations. And when we ran out of words, mom always had “Jerri-isms” to describe things. She has a very deep trust in her Christian faith, “trying to live daily as Christ would want us to live,” as she used to say. Mom was the embodiment of Sunshine - every room was brighter because of her. She was such a loyal friend to so many and was so compassionate.

Beloved by many, Jerri Linn is survived by her husband, Noah, with whom she shared a home filled with love. She is also survived by her father, Jerry Newville, of Norman, Oklahoma, her mother, Linda Newville, of Calera, Oklahoma, and her stepmother, Janet Newville, of Norman, Oklahoma.

Jerri's spirit lives on through her children, Blake (Brittinee Ridenour) Francis of Chanute, Kansas, and Lindsay (Ben) Jacks, also of Chanute, Kansas. She was a devoted grandmother to Briggs Jacks, Hazel Jacks, and Gunner Jacks, who brought immense joy to her life. In addition, Jerri is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Terri Newville of Calera, Oklahoma; Kerri Turner of Denison, Texas; Katy Swartzendruber of Goldsby, Oklahoma; Chris Campbell of Montgomery, Texas; and Julie Wiyninger of Moore, Oklahoma. She also had several nieces and nephews that she loved to spend time with, every chance she got. These include Leigha, Luke, and Elliot Swartzendruber, and Jerdon Turner.

Jerri Linn is preceded in death by her grandparents, Patricia Armstrong (known affectionately as Mom), Bill Martin, Louise Newville, and Claude Newville.

While her passing leaves a remarkable absence, her memory will continue to inspire and warm the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Visitation will be held, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Ambassador Christian Church, 4001 South Johnson Rd, Chanute, KS 66720. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the church at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetery, Chanute, KS.

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, KS 66720.