Jean was born October 20, 1941, in Marshalltown to Harold and Helen (Melton) Bailey. She was a 1959 graduate from Saint Mary's Catholic School. After graduation, she attended Mount Mercy College of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, completing a degree in nursing in 1962.

She married Frederick La Verne Kono on June 8, 1963 at Saint Henry's Catholic Church in Marshalltown. After relocating to Davenport, they were members of Our Lady of Victory Church for 50 years. Along the way, they adopted two wonderful children. Fred passed away on July 4, 2026.

Her interests included sewing, crocheting, counted cross stitch and bowling.

Those she left behind are her son Matthew, Chattanooga, Tennessee, her daughter Kristine, Hixson, Tennessee, her sister Patricia (Richard) Ewalt, Marshalltown, her granddaughters: Madison, Samantha and Victoria, eight nieces and nephews, and furbabies Ms. Chi Chi, Milo, Alex and Ava.