SALEM – Dora “Jean” Leeper Focht was born May 13, 1921 in Hoopeston, Illinois to Harry and Margaret (Haw) Leeper. She was raised on a farm as Cissna Park, Illinois and moved to Downey, Iowa at age 12. She graduated from West Branch High School in Iowa. She lived in and worked at Iowa City, Des Moines and Villisca, Iowa. She married Bernard M. Focht in 1945 and later made their home in Salem, Oregon.
Besides being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker, Jean worked at Eola Inn, Dick Orey’s Tavern, Silver Inn, Pink Elephant and the Emporium Department Store. She also spent many years in the flea market business.
Jean dearly loved her family and many long time friends. She had a close loving relationship with God through her church, and in recent years enjoyed many good times and friendships through the Keizer Senior Center, and in her home at the Applewood Retirement Community.
She will be remembered by friends and acquaintances for her love of the color blue, especially in her wardrobe, accented with sparkling jewelry and beautiful and sometimes unusual hats.
Her husband Bernard and her daughter Brenda McLean preceded her in death. Survivors include Roger Focht and Phyllis Focht, both of Keizer; three grandchildren Douglas Focht, Misty McLean, and Michael McLean; three great-grandchildren Tiffany Focht, Caleb McLean and Logan McLean; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 19th at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 3295 Ladd Ave NE, Salem. Contributions may be given in her name to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. Arrangements by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service, Salem.