Search by Name

Search by Name

JEANNE VANCLEAVE Obituary

Jeanne K. VanCleave Jeanne VanCleave went to be with her Savior on December 26, 2011. She will be missed by the hundreds of lives she touched through her life and ministry. Jeanne was born on May 23, 1941 in Tacoma, WA. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma. In 1971 she married Harvey VanCleave. She was and still is the love of his life. They enjoyed taking trips together every chance they could. Jeanne was an avid reader who could finish a book in a day. As a mother she was always ready to listen to and encourage her children. It was said of her that she never gave up on anyone, and her family and those around her are better because of that. Throughout her life she struggled with various physical ailments including M.S., but she always found a reason to smile and keep fighting. For the last several years, she helped operate her church food bank and touched the lives of hundreds of people. Jeanne is survived by her husband Harvey VanCleave, children Deb McKinney, Randy Keller, and Richard VanCleave, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, brothers Johnie, John, and Colin and sisters Nancy and Sallie. She was preceded in death by her parents and John and Arlene Guthrie and her son Ron Keller. A memorial service will be held at Fir Lane Funeral Home on Friday, December 30th, 2011 at 3pm. Please make donations to Parkland Food Bank at 1023 Lafayette St, Tacoma, WA 98444.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for JEANNE VANCLEAVE

Not sure what to say?





Shaina mccollum

March 8, 2022

I still think of u every day grandma I miss u like crazy I wish u were still here grandpa is still lost without you. I still have every card u ever gave me with ur secret message "to my special granddaughter" . I know u are looking down watching and I hope u are proud. I love u and I will see u one day. Keep watching from above. Xoxo

January 1, 2012

We drifted apart in the later years. Oh but what memories I have of us growing up together. Walk slow and I will catch up with you.I could not of asked for a better friend. Condolenes go out to all your family and friends. Love Diane

Sheri Jacob

December 29, 2011

You know what I'll remember the most about her was her wonderful smile. Growing up with you guys across the alley and your mom and mine always together. The funny thing is there together again. My prayers are with the whole family,and if there's anything I can do PLEASE call me. Love You All Sheri

Dawn Watts

December 29, 2011

Your family & friends are/were lucky to have you in their lives Jeanne. May they continue with their most cherish memories.You are in great hands now.You are still a wonderful person! Continuous prayers & blessings for everyone who you "touched" their lives at some point.

nancy rohan

December 29, 2011

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

December 28, 2011

You were the most amazing person, and by far the best grandmother anyone could have.....I can't believe your gone, I already miss you.... I love you so much grandma. You can finally have a feast in heaven.......Grandpa stay strong you were the best thing that she could ask for and thank you for taking such loving care of her. You are an amazing man.
love nikki

Harold Hix

December 28, 2011

Kathy and I will miss Jeanne very much. She was such a hard worker for God at the food bank. God Bless you and your family. Harold and Kathy Hix

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in JEANNE VANCLEAVE's name

Memorial Events
for JEANNE VANCLEAVE

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support JEANNE's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor JEANNE VANCLEAVE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more