Jean Elizabeth Vezey, 75, of North Pole, Alaska was called to her eternal home after a brief illness on April 21, 2025 in Celina, TX, with her loving family at her side.
Jean was born in 1949 in Canton, South Dakota to Harold and Edna “Skip” Miller. She graduated from West Lyon High School in Inwood, Iowa in 1967 and attended college at the University of Northern Iowa. While she loved her family farm and roots in Iowa, her older brother, John, was able to lure her to Alaska while she was a college student.
Drawn by the beauty and the people, she returned in 1969 and made it her home for the next 56 years. On June 9, 1979, she married Allen Vezey in Nome, Alaska, a date purposefully selected as it was her beloved parents’ wedding date in 1940. Together, they started their construction company in 1981, and raised their three children—her complete pride and joy. She never missed a hockey or basketball game, tennis match or piano recital. She continued to be a reliable cheerleader for Russ, Josie, and Sarah’s accomplishments through their adult years, and in retirement basked in watching her cherished labradors compete in retriever competitions in Alaska and the lower 48. Jean was known as a second mom to many of her kids’ friends, and their home on Lakloey Hill was open to all of them—you didn’t even need to knock to come in. She delighted in opening her home to all kinds of people and generously shared her time and cooking for community events. Jean was deeply devoted to those who were so fortunate to call her friend or family. Her cheerful heart was supplemented by a practical and empathetic demeanor, allowing her to help those she loved through their challenging times without judgement and with complete grace.
Jean was business-oriented her entire life. As a co-owner of an air taxi in Nome and as President of the family construction company, she took deep satisfaction in employing diverse people all over Alaska. She was civic-minded as the former clerk for the City of Nome, and a decades-long election worker at the Badger Precinct (McPeak’s) for State and Borough elections. Jean was a member of the Fairbanks Retriever Club, PEO, AGC and the Fairbanks Republican Women.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Miller, and sister-in-law, Barbara “Babs” Miller. She is survived by her husband, Allen Vezey of North Pole, AK; son, Russ Hardy and wife Cindy of Collinsville, TX; daughter, Josie Bahnke and husband, Dennis of Kodiak, AK; daughter, Sarah Schacher and husband, Dan of Fairbanks, AK; sister, Mary Hoy and husband, Don of Overland Park, KS; brother, Jim Miller of Jalisco, Mexico; granddaughter Rachel (Braylon) Blades of NY; grandson Preston Garrison of Denton, TX; nieces Katie (Steve) Paul, Victoria (Matt) Blume, and Kalena Miller (Jonathan Pattillo), as well as nephews Timothy (Jennifer) Hoy and Matthew (Heather) Hoy.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro, Texas. Celebration of Life services are pending.
Jean appreciated the dignity and care of hospice services provided to her parents and brother at the end of their lives, so please feel free to make a memorial donation to a hospice of choice.
The sweetest lady I have ever worked for. She was the best “Al Wrangler” this earth has ever seen. I will miss you Jean!
Sending love and comfort to all of you. I loved Jean & I know she will be missed by all who knew her
So sorry for your loss! Our hearts are with you!
the loss of jean’s huge love and incredible sense of humor will leave a void in so many hearts 😥 i am grateful for every piece of time spent learning from and laughing with jean. my love and deepest sympathy to her family and countless friends. i love and miss you, jean, and thank you for raising some of my favorite people in the whole wide world. peace be with you 🩵
I have known this lovely beautiful lady since I was 8! I will miss her warm smile.
I first met Jean when I was 5 years old. Her youngest daughter Sarah was my first friend in school and the first time I ever spent the night away from my parents was at Jean’s house.
Jean was always warm, fun and kind to me. I felt safe and comfortable around her and at her home. She would make me special food because I was a picky eater, and she was so relaxed about letting Sarah and I use her stuff. As a parent now, I realize how kind that was because it would be hard for me to have my kids’ friends messing around with my things. Jean would just laugh at us and make sure we were having fun and were comfortable.
It’s a cool thing to have a lifelong friend, because you also get another set of parents with that friend. I can still hear Jean’s laugh and her voice and remember the feeling of being around her knowing she would say yes to our crazy teenage requests (‘can you drive us here?’ “Can we use your camera?”). I’m grateful for her love and presence during my formative years and beyond.
Big hugs to Josie, Russ, Al and Sarah. She was the glue of your family and I imagine her loss will be felt very deeply.
Love you, Jean. Love you Vezey family.
After driving up the Alan in the winter of 1980, Jean was the first friend I made. We were both 6 mos pregnant. Sarah and Zac were born within a few days of each other March ‘81. In the 2 years I lived on the Hill, before moving to Chugiak, Jean and I became life long friends. So many adventures, So many laughs.
I will miss her. She will always be in my heart and memory. My thoughts are with Al and kids always.
Sending you all love. Your mom was such a special lady. And I know how much you loved each other. Memory eternal.
Russ and Cindy so sorry for your loss. Mom’s are so special.
Jean was an amazing person, I will always remember my time working for her and Al and getting my morning assignments in the office. I truly felt like a part of the family. Jean you will be missed. Al, Russ, Josie and Sarah, my heart breaks with you.
Momma Jean-I am so grateful to have been one of those kids that could visit anytime. I still see her in the kitchen while us kids were visiting at the kitchen table. I loved her Missouri no bake cookies!
Sending all of you a giant hug.
She is forever apart of my childhood memories. Love to the Vezey/Hardy clan
Jean was a lovely person a true friend and neighbor she will be missed. We are extremely saddened by Her loss and our sincere condolences to her family🙏
I was deeply affected to learn of Jean’s passing, via a Facebook post.
We were next door neighbors for 36 years. Being older we moved away to a Senior Commmunity.
Jean, Al and children were the best kind of neighbors, there if needed and we had thoughtful conversations .
We were all dog lovers. There are people who come into our loves who make it brighter.
Jean will always be in my memory.
Jeanie was the sweetest, an unmistakable heart of gold. How fortunate we are to have shared life with her and how heartbreaking it is to be without her. I will always remember her for her kindness and her loving dedication to her family both as a wife and a mother. Al, Russ, Josie, and Sarah, you’re in our hearts, we’ll help you keep her memory close and you will never miss her alone. Love The Hoovers Bill, Sandy, Kelsey, Averill, and Natalie.
I was deeply affected to learn of Jean’s passing, via a Facebook post.
We were neighbors for 36 years. Being older we moved away to a Senior Commmunity.
Jean, Al and children were the best kind of neighbors, there if needed and we had thoughtful conversations .
We were all dog lovers. There are people who come into our loves who make it brighter.
Jean will always be in our memories.
Our deepest condolences during this time of great loss. Please know all are in our thoughts and prayers.
We were very good friends with Jean and will miss her infectious smile and sense of humor; we will miss the good times we spent together. We will miss her forever.
Al, it always seems to me that words are inadequate whenever there is a loss of a Loved One. It is a loss which has occurred much too early. We have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers! I will always remember Jean’s kindness towards Gloria and I. Your life forever changed when the two of you became as One, and now it is forever changed again. May you be granted strength in the days ahead and peace in the memories of the life you shared together.