Jean Rimer Otterbein Ott, 97, long-time companion of John Powell, passed away in the early morning of Oct. 30, after a brief illness. Jean was the only child born to Raymond and Lucena Rimer on Sept. 21, 1915 in Silver Springs, N.Y.
She was the wife of Louis William Otterbein of Caldwell, N.J. Jean and Lou raised their children in Caldwell while she was director of physical therapy at St. Barnabus Hospital in Livingston. After Lou passed away in 1966, Jean continued to work, retiring in 1973, when she married Morris Ott, and together, they moved to Florida. Since they summered on Biscay Pond, they were married at the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle.
Jean was active in Bob Foster’s flea market in Newcastle for many years, buying and selling antique glass and silver, and made many friends in the antique business.
For the past 40 years, Jean resided in Hudson, Fla., and was a member of the Meadow Oaks Community Club where she quilted, knit, played the organ and played Rumikubs.
She is survived by children, Linda Thomas and husband Mike, Leslie Olson and husband Ray, and John Otterbein and wife Ann; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service and celebration of Jean’s life will be held in Florida at a later date.
