Jeanette K. Fisher's Obituary
Jeanette Kay Fisher, 87, of Arma, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026.
Jeanette was born on February 7, 1939, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Frank and Ida Conrad. She graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1956 and went on to earn an associate’s degree, later obtaining certifications in fiber optics and numerous other communications credentials throughout her career.
Jeanette dedicated 45 years of service to Southwestern Bell Telephone. She began her career as a switchboard operator, a role she held for 20 years before transitioning to work as a telephone technician, where she served for an additional 25 years. She took immense pride in her work and was known for her determination, reliability, and strong work ethic. She would stop at nothing to ensure a customer’s telephone was working properly. Jeanette had the most overtime of any other Southwestern Bell Telephone employee in Kansas for six consecutive years. Jeanette was a true pioneer, working in a field that was predominantly male at the time. Affectionately known as “Ma Bell” or the “Telephone Lady”, she climbed telephone poles with confidence and earned the respect of those around her. Remarkably, she never took a sick day, achieving an extraordinary 45 years of perfect attendance.
In addition to her career, Jeanette was deeply devoted to supporting her family in every aspect of their lives. She worked alongside her husband on their farm, where she could often be found in the fields planting crops, hauling hay, and tending to cattle. Her willingness to help extended even further as she played an active role in the family masonry business, mixing mortar, hauling brick and rock, and stepping in wherever she was needed. Jeanette’s tireless work ethic and commitment were a true reflection of her love for her family. She gave of herself generously in all she did.
Jeanette was a woman of profound kindness, compassion, and remarkable strength. She was so very special—always kind and considerate, making even the simplest moments feel meaningful and full of love. She lived with a selfless heart, always putting others before herself. Jeanette found great joy in cooking and baking for those she loved. She was a constant presence at her children’s sporting events and treasured every moment spent together as a family. She had a special love for animals, especially cats, and cared for them with gentle tenderness and compassion. Jeanette also cherished the outdoors, taking great pride in her yard and tending to her flowers.
She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Don; her children, J.D. (Analuna), Julie (Chris), and Jason; and her four grandchildren, Jade, Lexi, Ellie, and Topher. She is also survived by her niece Janet (Mark), her great-nephew Josh, her great-niece Jaren, and her special cat Sweetie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ida; her son, Jeffrey; her sister, JoAnn; and her nephew, Jerry.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg. Burial will follow at the Garden of Memories cemetery in Pittsburg. Visitation will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SEK Humane Society.
Jeanette will be remembered for her unwavering work ethic, a generous spirit that touched everyone she met, and a love she gave so freely and without hesitation to her family and friends. Her quiet strength, enduring dedication, and gentle kindness shaped the lives around her in ways that will not be forgotten. Though she is no longer with us, her presence will continue to be felt in the memories she created, the love she shared, and the example she set. She will be deeply missed, cherished always, and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
What’s your fondest memory of Jeanette?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jeanette?
Share a story where Jeanette's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jeanette you’ll never forget.
How did Jeanette make you smile?
