Jeanna Elston, 46, of Clyman, Wis., formerly of Charles City, Iowa, died Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at University of Wisconsin Hospitals, Madison, Wis.

Jeanna Marie Daniel Elston was born Oct. 2, 1966, at Charles City, the daughter of Myron and Mary Ellen (Smith) Daniel. She graduated from Charles City High School in 1986 and studied agriculture at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City. Jeanna was the first female agriculture student and FFA member at Charles City High School, opening the way for other women to follow. She also participated in cross country and track. Jeanna married Brian Cliff and they later divorced. On June 25, 2005, she was united in marriage to Phil Elston.

Over the years, Jeanna worked at Hamline Industries in Watertown, Wis., Fiber Resin Industries in Oconomowoc, Wis., and at Borderline B.P. gas station, also in Watertown. She was a member of Saint Bernards Catholic Church. Jeanna had a great love of nature, as seen in her interest in just being outdoors, taking care of and riding horses and animals in general, vegetable gardening and deer hunting. She also liked attending Brewers games and was an ardent Vikings fan in Green Bay country. Jeanna and Phil also looked forward to attending country music concerts. She will always be remembered as a caring soul with an indomitable cheerful spirit who was always willing to help others. Family was always very important to Jeanna and she looked forward to sharing her life with them.

Living family members include her husband, Phil Elston of Clyman; daughter, Kelly Cliff of Madison; step daughter, Rachel Elston of Ononomowoc; parents, Myron and Mary Ellen Daniel of Charles City; brother, Shane (Colleen) Daniel of Charles City; two sisters, Karissa (Brian) Anderson of Robbins and Shannon (Kevin) Holm of Marion; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, George and Hildegard Daniel; maternal grandparents, Edmund and Maxiene Smith; an uncle, Royce Daniel; an aunt, Paula Smith: and two cousins, Gary Daniel and Cal Daniel.

A memorial Mass for Jeanna Elston will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Rev. Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Inurnment will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City. Memorials may be directed to the Jeanna Elston Memorial Fund at First Citizens National Bank, 300 N Main St., Charles City, Iowa 50616. The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.