Ila Jean Fauss

Jean Palmer Fauss, 87, of Mineral Wells, West Virginia, passed from this life on June 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born July 31, 1938, in Wirt County, West Virginia, Jean lived a life defined by faith, service, devotion to family, and a quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her.

Jean was the eighth of nine children born to Ray and Elpha Palmer. Raised in the hills of Wirt County, she grew up learning the values that would guide her throughout her life: hard work, kindness, humility, and a deep trust in God.

She graduated from Wirt High School and Mountain State Business College. Jean built a successful career while also dedicating herself to causes that helped others. She worked for several local businesses and organizations throughout her life, including St. Joseph Hospital, WTAP, and Marbon Chemical, which later became Borg-Warner. She was the office Manager for the ARC Organization of West Virginia which served individuals with developmental disabilities.

Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and later, great-grandmother. Known to her family as "Mamz", nothing made her happier than spending time with the people she loved. Her family, friends, Blair Avenue Gang, and GE girls to name a few.

A lifelong and devoted member of Pettyville United Methodist Church, Jean faithfully served in countless roles throughout the years. Her church family was an important part of her life, and her faith remained steadfast through every joy and every challenge. She lived her beliefs not only on Sundays but every day through her kindness, generosity, and compassion.

One of the greatest gifts Jean gave her family came in her final days. She was able to say goodbye to those she loved and share experiences she described as glimpses of Heaven. Those moments brought comfort, peace, and hope to her family, and reflected the deep faith that had sustained her throughout her life.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ken Fauss; her parents, Ray and Elpha Palmer; and her siblings, Gladys, Roberta, Richard, Dale, and Alta.

She is survived by her son, David Fauss; her daughter, Becky Rhoades(Dave); her grandchildren, Josh Rhoades and Ashley Rhoades; her cherished great-grandchildren, Lana, Lennie, and Lilah Rhoades; and her siblings Dorotha, Charles, and Paul, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Jean's legacy is not measured by accomplishments or titles, but by the love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example, a church blessed by her faithful service, and countless lives made better simply because she was part of them. Though she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that the faith she lived by has now become the promise she sees fulfilled.

A memorial service will be held at Pettyville United Methodist Church at a later date.

Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home has been entrusted with Jean’s final arrangements and are honored to serve her family.