Jean Northenor, a well-known Republican figure and former Kosciusko County GOP chairwoman, has died. Pictured is Northenor speaking with Senator Ryan Mishler. InkFreeNews file photo.

By Brianna White
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The death of Jean Northenor is the loss of a community pillar in Kosciusko County.

Kosciusko County Republican Party Central Committee Chairman Mike Ragan confirmed Northenor’s passing to media outlets on Thursday, Nov. 6. A well-known leader in Republican politics, Northenor previously served as the county’s auditor and GOP chairwoman.

“She has been a rock in our community, not just with politics, but with so many things,” stated Sue Ann Mitchell, Kosciusko County commissioner, about Northenor.

Ernie Wiggins, former mayor of Warsaw, called Northenor “the Grand Dame of the Republican Party in Kosciusko County.”

Austin Rovenstine, Kosciusko County GOP secretary, stated, “Jean was a friend of my family going back many decades, and she was a very dear friend to me. Professionally, she was a model of effective leadership, throwing punches when she thought it necessary, but showing kindness as a default.”

Both Wiggins and Ragan spoke of receiving her counsel throughout the years and about how she was firm in her morals but still respectful, never imposing her opinions on them.

Northenor’s first elected position was as deputy auditor in 1972. This was followed by being elected auditor in 1974 and being reelected in 1978.

Northenor then served as the first Kosciusko County Republican chairwoman from 1980-1986.

Rovenstine wrote in a statement, “In her political career, she blazed a trail for female officeholders, demonstrating audacity and courage on a level rarely seen today. She earned herself a special place in our hearts and in our history.”

Ragan said of Northenor’s start in politics, “Back in the day, all of the officeholders in the courthouse were men … Jean was one of the women who broke through.”

Northenor’s political influence expanded outside of just Kosciusko County. She was friends with every Indiana governor since Bob Orr, regardless of political party, and many called on her to serve at a state level. She was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court Selection Committee several times, under both Republican and Democrat governors. She was on the first state lottery commission for the Hoosier lottery. Northenor was also presented with several Service Awards at a state level from governors of both political parties.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita wrote in a memorial statement about Northenor, “Jean’s path… showed that lasting impact grows from simply being there, day after day, ready to listen, to fix problems, and to stand up for what counts. She turned obstacles into opportunities for others, especially women, and never sought the spotlight for herself.”

When Northenor’s husband, Jim, died in April 2021, Rokita visited her home to sit with her and pay his respects.

Northenor speaks at a 2024 event endorsing Sue Ann Mitchell’s campaign for county commissioner. InkFreeNews file photo.

She remained active in the Kosciusko County Republican Party and local politics her entire life. She was a woman of strong morals and was unafraid to share her opinions, but, according to Mitchell, “at the center of her heart, she always wanted to make things better.”

Outside of politics, Northenor had an 18-year career with Lake City Bank. She began in their marketing department and ended as the executive vice president, in charge of marketing, human resources, maintenance, and construction. She then served two years on Lake City Bank’s Board of Directors. She retired from the bank in 2003.

Northenor herself had one son: Steve Reed; two grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Wiggins also shared that Northenor called him “one of her boys” because when he was a child, he would “wander down to her yard” regularly.

Wiggins shared a story of when he was newly elected to city council, he was faced with a decision about whether to go to his son’s basketball game or a council meeting scheduled for the same night. Northenor told him, “Go to that basketball game. Your family is first and foremost in life.”

Northenor always remained active in the community. She was one of the founders of Kosciusko Leadership Academy in 1982 and given credit for coming up with the original concept for the organization. She also continued to actively serve on their board of directors with the title Advisor Emeritus until her death.

Northenor was also an avid supporter of The Magical Meadows in Warsaw. In August, Northenor made a $100,000 contribution to the organization’s Growing with Heart Capital Campaign. A hay barn at Magical Meadows was also named in her and her husband’s honor.

In a statement, Magical Meadows’ representatives said, “Jean and her late husband Jim’s relationship with The Magical Meadows started in 2021 when we were blessed to grant their bucket list wish of riding horses again. Since then, Jean and her family have remained steadfast supporters and believers in the transformational mission of The Magical Meadows … More than her financial support, we will miss her guidance, advocacy, and genuine friendship.”

Ragan was able to sum up Northenor with this statement: “She was a leader. She loved Kosciusko County.”

Northenor was passionate about The Magical Meadows. Photo provided by The Magical Meadows.