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Jill Marie Arant (Carpenter, Leggate), 79, left us to be with Christ on May 10, 2026.
Jill was born on February 21, 1947, in Moline, Illinois, to Harold Francis Carpenter and Rowena Bernice Carpenter. She grew up during the height of 1950s America, living what many would describe as the consummate American dream—a life rooted in family, connection, and community.
It was during those formative years that Jill met her best—and truly best friend anyone could ever wish for, Janis Whitebook. Their lifelong friendship was one of deep love and loyalty, and through it all, Janis would become true family and an official Aunt to Jill’s children.
Jill later moved to La Mesa, California, where she attended Grossmont High School. In time, she built a life centered on love and family, welcoming her three children: Larry, Hal, and Allison.
Jill’s professional life was spent in banking and finance, including much of her career with General Motors. However, her most important role was always that of a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife and friend. Her family was the true focus of her life.
Jill was widely known for her warmth, her love of friends, her appreciation for fashion and the arts, and her joy in bringing people together. Whether it was a simple gathering with family, a get-together with close friends, or welcoming someone new, she had a gift for making everyone feel included and at home.
Jill is survived by her best friend, confidant, love, and husband, Bill; her children, Hal and Allison; stepsons James and Jonathan; daughter in laws Andrea, Ashley, and Carmen; fourteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, with another expected in the coming weeks. She also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones whose lives were touched by her generous spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Francis Carpenter and Rowena Bernice Carpenter; her sister, Joy Carpenter; and her beloved son, Larry Eugene Leggate.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future, with additional details forthcoming.
Jill will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her love, her laughter, and the countless lives she touched.
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Linda L. Beardslee (Van Landuyt)
Rest in peace Jill.
Cheryl Anderson (Lehew)
I'm so very sorry to hear about Jill's passing . I think back to our days at Jefferson and how vibrant and fun she was. Her house was very close to the school and on our way home we would sometimes stop and go in and say hi to her mom and just have some fun
She moved away, and I didn't talk to her for years. Then in these later year we became Facebook friends. She was in San Diego where fellow Jeffies Jan Whitebook and Marie Flatley lived. She seemed so happy out in California and her sunny personality shone through in her messages. I wish I could have visited her in person.
Rest in peace, Jill. I know you will be missed by many.
Sue VanHull (Simpson)
Jill lived four houses down and across the street from me in our early years.We played in the school yard behind my house and slid down the gully hills on cardboard, working quite hard to stop before we hit the small stream at the bottom. One summer, we got matching pedal pushers, red corduroy with multicolored polka dots. I felt quite stylish or as much as a seven year old can! We had fun, and I hope that her life continued that way. RIP old friend.
Steve Steelandt
I have always had happy Thomas Jefferson days thoughts about Jill. She disappeared from our lives too soon then....and from all but our memories now. God bless her family and each of her beloved friends.