Jeannie Ann Omdal

1949 - 2025

Jeannie Ann Omdal was born on April 26, 1949, on the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. The daughter of a United States Air Force family, she spent much of her early childhood stationed overseas before moving back to the states as a young girl. Later in life, Jeannie would reminisce about living at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The family eventually settled in the Lewiston–Clarkston Valley, where Jeannie attended Clarkston High School, she graduated in 1967. At school she was active in many clubs and was the editor of her school annual.

She studied fine art at Washington State University and graduated in 1971. It was on campus, in the late fall of 1969, that she met her future husband, Marvin Omdal. They were married on March 30, 1974, and made their home in Bow, Washington, where they raised their daughters, Hillary and Portia, and numerous obnoxious cats.

Jeannie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She created a warm and welcoming home. She was an exceptional hostess and an accomplished cook. She loved hosting parties and gatherings for her friends and faith community. Jeannie’s faith was an important part of her life.

Jeannie and Marvin shared a love of travel. Some of their most treasured trips included time in the Caribbean where they visited the military base where Jeannie was born. They loved Carmel-by-the-Sea, Maui, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Washington D.C., and Norway.

Jeannie’s art was her lifelong work and focus. She was a talented musician, composer, sculptor, author, and poet, but her true passions were drawing, painting, and portraiture. With endless patience, she created portraits of her family, friends, and pets, finding joy in every detail.

Jeannie suffered a devastating fall late in 2023 and sustained a life-changing traumatic brain injury. She was airlifted from Mount Vernon to Harborview in Seattle where she stayed for over six weeks. She was a feisty patient and determined to get back to her beloved home. After an extended stay at the hospital and in skilled nursing, she was able to live at home for nearly 16 months. Her time with Marvin was filled with joy, laughter, chatting with her cats, and lots of morning coffee together. She was adored and deeply loved.

Due to complications from her injuries, Jeannie moved to Creekside Continuing Care Community in Burlington, WA in May of 2025. At Creekside, she enjoyed visits from Marvin, her girls, grandsons, and close friends. In the last few months, despite the health challenges she was facing, she was still drawing and making art. Her injuries could not suppress her humor or artistic spirit.

Jeannie passed away on December 22, 2025, with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband Marvin, daughters Hillary Omdal of Seattle and Portia Omdal (Tyrone Minnis) of Bellevue, and grandsons Braylon Minnis and Elliott Johnson, her brother Jon (Kay) Behrens, sister Heidi Behrens-Benedict, and her sisters-in-law, Betty Cox and Karen Omdal, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William C. Behrens and Margaret “Peggy” Behrens, in-laws Leonard and Margaret Omdal, and her brothers and sister in-law Richard and Lorraine Gundersen, and John Cox.

Jeannie’s family would like to thank the staff at Creekside and Hospice of the Northwest for their kind and attentive care, and her dear friends Louise Eusterman and Vicki Lincoln-Rowson for their friendship and love for Jeannie. On one of the rare days Marvin was unable to visit Jeannie due to the Skagit flooding, Louise was by Jeannie’s side to support and comfort her.

Details regarding the celebration of the life of Jeannie Omdal will be shared later. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages making a donation to a charity of your choice.