Jean Van Leuven

1934 - 2012

Jean Stobie Van Leuven, 77, died suddenly in her home of natural causes on February 7, 2012.

Jean was born April 1, 1934 in Spokane, Washington to Mildred Waltman (Johnson) and John Thomas Stobie. She grew up with brothers Bud and Bob, attending Grant Elementary and Lewis and ClarkHigh School (Class of '52) there before going to Washington State College to pursue studies in art. The family built a cabin on the east shore of Priest Lake, Idaho, and enjoyed swimming, boating, water skiing, hiking, canoeing, huckleberry picking, and target shooting there. During summers between school years, Jean found jobs at places like Priest Lake and Glacier National Park so she could revel in the natural beauty of the mountains and lakes in her time off. Jean displayed a natural talent for drawing and painting, and her artist's eye and cleverness in execution of arts and crafts projects were evident in many ways.

Following one and a half years of college courses, Jean found employment as an operator at the telephone company in Spokane. Jean met Howard R. Van Leuven in spring of 1957. They shared an appreciation of the outdoors, especially boating and exploring mountain trails. They wed on September 15, 1957, and Howard's work as a machinist took the couple from Spokane to Ellensburg. Jean joined the staff at Central Parts. Howard exchanged his career as a machinist for a new one with the Washington State Patrol, and Jean moved into a new role as mother with the arrival of their first child, Susan, in 1959. Jean and Howard welcomed twin daughters Janet and Karen in 1961. Four months later, Howard began his trooper training at Shelton, thenreceived his first assignment to the detachment at Ferndale, Washington. Daughter Patty was born there in 1964. Howard became eligible for transfer later that year, and took the opportunity to return to eastern Washington. The family lived in Union Gap for a short time, then returned to Ellensburg in 1965.

Jean judged Ellensburg to be an excellent place to raise a family, and established lasting friendships with many other parents of school-age children. Jean was involved in the Parent Teacher Association, and volunteered in school activities ranging from class field trips to fund raisers. Jean contributed to the family's resources by managing the Paulan Apartments for 30 years. Jean also worked at two Hallmark shops in Ellensburg, and later became a journeyman checker at Safeway, where she worked for five years. She became well-known in the community and was valued for her cheerful and competent service, rendered with a winning smile.

Summers always included vacations and day trips for outdoor fun with family and friends. The Van Leuven daughters took up their parent's enthusiasm for these activities, and all have treasured memories of these trips.

Jean worked to assist her student children with school expenses, as well as providing muscle power needed for moving to and from school, sending care packages, and lending moral support. She enjoyed her four daughters' tales of adventure from their work in fighting wildfires, yet worried through every fire season. As the children moved on into careers and motherhood, Jean was unwavering in her commitment to her family.

When Howard retired in 1984, the two became more active in boating and traveling with friends. They also reconnected with their faith, being baptized in the First Presbyterian Church and committing many hours to church activities. Howard joined the Antique Outboard Motor Club (AOMC), and he and Jean found kindred spirits with whom they shared many good times. Jean also joined P.E.O., and enjoyed the widening circle of friends she found through bible study, aquacise classes, card games, and coffee.

Howard passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 25, 2003. Friends and relatives showered Jean with support and kindness through a difficult time. Jean eventually regained her stride, and directed new energy to home improvement projects.

In her final years, she found in David Wilson loving companionship, a ready helping hand, and a shared enjoyment of the AOMC and travel. With his help, the club's springtime boating event (the Vantage meet) was re-established. A trip to Cabo San Lucas with David and his family was a special pleasure, and she had in fact on the morning before her death made trip reservations for a trip to Laughlin later this month.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Howard. She is survived by her four daughters, Susan Van Leuven (husband Richard Jenny) of Goldendale, Janet VanLeuven-Kern (husband Phillip Kern) of Ellensburg, Karen V. Whitmore (husband Greg Whitmore) of Ritzville, and Patty Southwell (husband Joe Southwell) of Spokane; grandchildren Cory, Heather and Ryan Whitmore, Chesna Kern, and Jamie Southwell; companion David B. Wilson of Glenoma; brothers James A. "Bud" Stobie (Gail) of Lewiston, and Robin "Bob" Stobie (Carol) of Spokane and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 18, 2012 at 1:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Ellensburg, 1307 E. 3rd Ave. in Ellensburg. Jean's favorite causes were her church, Ellensburg Christian School, and the March of Dimes.
The Van Leuven family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Jean's wonderful friends for the love and joy they brought to her life over the years.
Arrangements by Steward & Williams Tribute Center.