Karen Alice JESSUP

1941 - 2016

JESSUP, Karen Alice

Karen Alice (Tenneson) Jessup (age 74) born Dec. 22nd, 1941 in Burlington, WA to William and Alice (Smith) Tenneson. Early Feb. 12th, 2016 heaven gained another beautiful angel when she lost her long standing battle with Multiple Myeloma cancer.
She attended Bulington Edison High School and Western Washington College graduating in 1964 with a Bachelors degree in teaching with an emphasis on Home Economics. She started a teaching career in Coulee City in 1965, teaching Home Ec. and Biology. She also was the first girls basketball coach where they went undefeated in her two seasons as coach. In 1967 Karen married the love of her life, Denny Jessup of Coulee City. Together they traveled the Pacific Northwest following Denny's love of cattle ranching. They arrived in Wilbur with 3 kids, 25 cows, 2 horses, 2 cats, and 2 dogs. In 1982 they acquired their own operation where they were able to build on their dreams and Rock Bottom Ranch was born.
Karen was an active participant in the Wilbur community where she was a 4-H leader, and brought wheat education to the local schools. Karen substitute taught in the local school districts and was involved in the Lincoln County Cattle Women's Association. She was also the heart and soul of Rock Bottom Ranch, be it caring for a sick child, changing water lines, baling hay, working with livestock, or simply keeping her family and home intact.
Karen had a love for knitting dish rags, quilting with her local quilting clubs, watching Gonzaga basketball, gardening, cooking, and baking. Her true passion was the time she spent with her 6 grandchildren.
Karen is survived by her husband of 49 years, Denny. Her son Chad (Lisa) of Wilbur, son Ty (Tanya) of Waterville, and daughter Shannon (Todd Monson) of Almira and 6 grandchildren Callie, Cam, Carter, Braxton, Taylor, and Savannah. Also survived by her sister Sandra Tenneson of Burlington, WA.
At the family's discretion they will not be holding a service but will gather together later in the year to celebrate the memory of Karen. In celebration of her life the family asks that you donate to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in lieu of cards and flowers.

Karen will be greatly missed as she has touched many lives
with her kindness, humor, and gentle ways.

To make a donation go to mmrf.org, click on the donate button, tribute page, donate to Karen Jessup. You may also donate by mail at: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., 5 floor, Norwalk, CT 06851. Or by phone at 203-229-0464. All in honor of Karen Jessup.