KEIZER- Jean was born to Carl and Grace Strickler in Mill Valley CA. She was the oldest of four children.

She had the most wonderful disposition throughout her life. She rarely met anyone she didn’t like, always looked for the good side of everyone and rarely forgot a name. She pumped gas (and sometimes got a nickel tip), she drove school bus., modeled clothes, travelled to all but two countries in the world, played piano, loved to cook and entertain, volunteered for several years on the desk at the Keizer Senior Center and loved her family, friends, cats and dogs. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 64 years, Clair Whelchel and two siblings.

 

Survivors are her daughter, Carley Reed (Tom) and son Gary Whelchel (Phyllis) and the one she considered family, Rev. Charles Crose, four grandchildren, Kevin Reed, Karla Reed, Tammy Whelchel, Kelly Peterson (Doug), three great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, one sister, many nieces and nephews and a lot of namesakes.

 

The family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks for all the help and support from Avamere Retirement Center in Keizer.

 

The Rev. Charles Crose is to officiate at a brief service for family only at her crypt and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Keizer B.P.O.E. Elks on Friday, May 28, 2010 from 3:00pm to 5:00PM. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Willamette Humane Society or a charity of your choice.