WALNUT — Jean E. Tillinghast, 85, of Walnut died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at Walnut Manor Nursing Home in Walnut.

Jean was born on March 28, 1927, in Sublette, the daughter of Howard and Elizabeth (Kasbeer) Smith. She was united in marriage to Richard Tillinghast on Dec. 30, 1947.

Jean started playing the piano and the pipe organ at the age of 6, played for many years at Walnut United Methodist Church and in later years for various churches. She was a 1949 graduate of Illinois State Normal University with a degree in elementary education and taught in various schools during her lifetime. She also taught piano lessons throughout her life.