Jean Y. Morningstar, age 79 of Braceville Township, passed at 2:32PM on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at University Hospitals in Cleveland. She was born in Chester, West Virginia on April 23, 1943; the daughter of the late Harry Richard Sr. and Ruth Arlene (Vannauker) Yost. Jean earned her Bachelor's degree in Education and Master's degree in Educational Administration from Kent State University, graduating with honors. She proudly spent her career teaching at Labrae Schools in Leavittsburg: student teaching at Vaughn Elementary, 5th grade at Leavitt Elementary, 3rd grade at Bascom Elementary, and 8th grade reading and computers at LaBrae Middle School. She went on to become Principal of Vaughn Elementary and then Bascom Elementary until she retired in 2006. As an undergrad she wrote, "Education for the child should consist of the right to learn that which interests him. How much more love of reading would be found in children were they to begin that experience with words which were already part of them. The ideal school would provide the ideal environment for the child to conserve their uniqueness and realize his/her potential." Mrs. Morningstar's classroom was a creative, warm, and welcoming space. Her students were the "young adults" she inspired them to be. She was a beloved educator, taking time with all who entered her office. Jean was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Newton Falls. Active in the women's rights movement, she was a member of the National Organization for Women and Kent's Women's Project. She was a lifelong learner and avid reader. Jean rescued and raised thousands of Monarch butterflies and enjoyed woodworking and Elvis music. She planned a yearly road trip with her grandchildren, piling into the van, Willie Nelson on the radio, and "we're off on a Great Adventure!" to sightsee across many miles and many states. Jean's personal philosophy was, "Family and friends are those who help us make sense of our world." She was her family's historian who had a passion for not only making memories, but reminiscing and storytelling, too. In conversation, she had a way of making others feel like the most important person in the room. On January 22, 1963, Jean married her husband, Donald G. Morningstar. Together they shared 60 years of marriage. In 1968, Donald and Jean moved from Aliquippa, PA to Braceville, where they made their home with their three children. Jean is survived by her husband Donald; her children, Dawn Elaine (Roy) Morningstar-Hall of Aliquippa, PA, Andria Lynn (Jeff) Morningstar-Gray of Braceville, David Lee (Yvonne) Morningstar of Braceville; sister Arlene "Sis" Fulton of Aliquippa, PA; brothers, George (Rachael) Yost of Coatesville, PA and Tom (Pam) Yost of Hookstown, PA. The greatest joys of her life were her eight grandchildren and one great grandchild; Cassandra, Danette, Francesca, Zachary, LaTasha (Shawn), Taz (Kyla), Olivia, Cole, and Jordan. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Harry Richard "Dick" Yost Jr. and a sister Judith Lynn Goldinger.

At this time, there are no services scheduled for Jean and cremation has taken place. The family has asked that in Jean's memory, donations be made to the Bascom Library Fund. Checks can be made out to LaBrae Local Schools, 1015 North Leavitt Rd, Leavittsburg, Ohio 44430. In the memo section please write, "Bascom Library." Arrangements for Jean have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, Ohio 44444 (330) 872-5440. Family and friends may view this obituary online and send condolences to the family at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com