RUTHVEN — Marvella “Jeanne” Mawbey, 85, of Ruthven and formerly of Madison, Wisconsin, died October 27, 2026, in Ruthven. A West Bend native and U.S. Navy veteran, Jeanne built a life filled with hard work, community service, creative pursuits and a deep affection for animals.
A private family burial will be held at a later date at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens, 1147 Clarmar Drive in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, Jeanne requested memorials to the Dane County Humane Society.
Born September 23, 1941, in West Bend, Marvella Jeanne Christensen was the first child of Leo and EllaBeth (Truelsen) Christensen. She graduated from West Bend High School in May 1959 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy WAVES that September. Following training in Bainbridge, Maryland, she served in the supply department at Naval Air Station Alameda in California until her discharge in 1962.
Decades later, her military service brought another meaningful experience: an all-woman Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in May 2022.
Jeanne married William “Bill” Mawbey on August 2, 1965, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They had one son, Joel Eric Mawbey, who died January 1, 2004.
Madison became Jeanne’s home for most of her adult life. She worked as a mail carrier there for 27 years, retiring in 2001. Her dedication and positive attitude earned awards and praise throughout her postal career. She also worked alongside Bill and Joel as the family owned and operated the Cottage Café on Cottage Grove Road for many years. The café was sold in 2004.
Retirement gave Jeanne more time to help others. A member of Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, she cooked for church activities, tended its flower beds, cared for people confined to their homes and volunteered at nonprofit thrift stores.
Her own interests were equally varied. Jeanne was an accomplished quilter who made quilts and wall hangings, and she brought skill and curiosity to many other crafts. Outdoors, she enjoyed kayaking, snowshoeing, bicycling and monitoring bluebird trails.
Gardening and animals held a special place in her life. Over the years, she cared for numerous dogs, cats and chickens. Among her cats were Angel, Wilma, Betty and Jaspurr. Her affection for her chickens extended to bringing one remaining hen into her home after the others had died of old age.
Jeanne returned to Iowa in the fall of 2025 and received care at Ruthven Community Care Center. Her wit and lively banter became part of daily life there for staff, including her great-niece, Kinley Hansen.
She is survived by her sisters, Barb Fisher-Kruger of Iowa City; Pat Jensen of Chanhassen, Minnesota; Deb (Dave) Hansen of Ruthven; Sharon (Lance) Bauer of Winterset; Sheryl (Daniel) Galvez of Rockford, Illinois; and Merry (John) Simpson of West Bend; sister-in-law Jan (Alderson) Christensen of Gilmore City; and honorary grandchildren Louie and Libby Brown. Also surviving are stepsons William, Robert and John Mawbey; stepdaughter Christine Mawbey; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, William; son, Joel; parents, Leo and EllaBeth Christensen; sister, Mary Elizabeth; brother, Gerald Christensen; nieces Melissa Fisher and Deanna Hansen; and brothers-in-law Phil Fisher, Lee Jensen and Ron Kruger.
Her family’s tribute invites those who knew her to plant flowers in her memory and think of her when they encounter butterflies, birds, wildlife, hostas, sunrises and sunsets — the everyday beauty she enjoyed throughout her life.
Arrangements are under the care of Geelan Funeral Home, where family and friends may visit Jeanne’s obituary and share memories.
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