Jessie Murray Webster

1922 - 2013

Jessie Murray Webster

November 17, 1922 - August 30, 2013

Jessie Murray Webster, daughter of James and Minnie Oliphant Murray, was born November 17, 1922 in Lafayette, Oregon, the youngest of 8 children. She was born in the home of her Great Aunt Ella Cushing Robertson.

She grew up on the Murray family farm in High Heaven and attended the High Heaven School her first eight years. She finished her schooling in the McMinnville Junior and Senior High Schools.

On August 2, 1941 she married Byron Tilbury Webster in the home of Reverend James Osborne in McMinnville. Jessie was a homemaker and the mother of Frank, Bonnie and Dixie. Byron, Jessie and family made many moves….wherever the jobs took them…Lebanon, Scio, Willamina and back to McMinnville. In 1945 they made the High Heaven School House into a home.

She became active in the neighborhood club and Home Extension. Jessie was also a 4-H leader for 11 years. In addition, Jessie became one of the first volunteers to become trained as a Master Gardener in 1978. She continued sharing her love of gardening and plant culture with others for almost 20 years. She enjoyed sewing and making quilts for her family. She and Byron became interested in the Home Orchard Society and spent many hours supporting it. Jessie served on the board of the McMinnville Senior Center for a period of time, plus being a part of the group creating quilts that were sold for the benefit of the Senior Center.

Children and grandchildren alike have many fond memories of the annual camping trip to Elk Lake in the Cascades. The grandchildren still talk about the "mini-college" week with Grandma and Grandpa every summer.

In August 1991, Jessie and Byron celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends at the Edward Grenfill Park west of McMinnville.

In 1993 Byron and Jessie sold their home of 46 years and "retired" to McMinnville creating a much smaller version of the farm garden and orchard on two city lots. She has made her home at The Villas for the past seven years.

Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, Byron, two granddaughters, Pam and Cindy Webster and a great grandson, Austin Duerst.

She is survived by her three children, Frank Webster (Lynda Baker), Bonnie Webster Sponsel (Terry) and Dixie Webster Taylor (Ralph), plus 10 grandchildren and 25 ½ great grandchildren.

At Jessie's request no services will be held. An open house celebrating Jessie's life will be held 2-5 pm, September 7, 2013 at the home of Frank & Lynda, 326 W. 18th Place, McMinnville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Legacy Hospice or a charity of your choice in care of Macy & Son. To leave online condolences, visit www.macyandson.com.