Clara 'Jean' Hansen, 93

Clara Jean Purcell was born on her mother’s 20th birthday in Hanna, Wyo., on Dec. 1, 1932, to Vera and Clarence Purcell. Shortly before she was born, her mother was involved in a farming accident, and the doctor was sure that her baby would not survive. Not only did baby Jean survive, but she went on to live another 94 years.

The Purcells moved to northern Idaho in 1937.

On Dec. 31, 1955, Jean married Ray Hansen. They moved into the home where Ray spent his formative years, and it was in that little white house on the corner of Miles and Maple where they would spend nearly 70 years making memories, raising a family, and watching their children and grandchildren grow. That home will always have a special place in the Hansens’ hearts. 

At 33, Jean accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Her passion for her newfound faith compelled her to become involved with children’s evangelism. She taught Sunday school, Good News Club, VBS, and led several Bible studies over the years. She truly wanted everyone to know the Lord as she did.

Jean was an artist. Her medium was often fabric and thread, and the quilts she lovingly made for each of her children, grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren will be cherished for generations to come. Her various creations earned several ribbons in the Kootenai County Fair over the years. Jean excelled at all things needlework. Every single year until each grandchild turned 10, she made them each a Christmas ornament. They were intricate and personalized, and she put her love into every stitch.

Jean was an avid gardener, and working the soil of her show-stopping flower beds year after year brought her so much joy and pride. She also canned and preserved a great many things; her pickles will especially be remembered with mouthwatering fondness. Her deep-dish apple pie was also second to none.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, Ray; son Greg; sister Doris Wells; brothers Ralph and Cliff; and her son-in-law, Tom Stafford. She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Deckert (Jeff) and Sheila Stafford; son Michael Hansen (Kristi); sister Myrna Norlander; grandchildren Matt, Jonathan, Autumn, Karen, Larisa, Keith, Ray, Clint, Mark, Geoff, Jared, Paul, Meadow, Kelly, and Joseph; several nieces and nephews; and many great-grandchildren.

If there is one thing that Jean would want this reader to know, it is that you never walk alone, for He is always by your side.

Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho. A viewing will begin at 1:30 p.m. prior to the funeral. Jean will be laid to rest with a graveside at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens after the funeral — a reception at Hayden Bible Fellowship, 9650 N. Government Way, Hayden, Idaho, will follow the graveside.

Please visit Jean’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.