Obituary: Smith, Jean Olson Shelquist
Age 83
She went to be with the Lord on November 2, 2013.
She graduated from Rogers High School in 1948 and attended Eastern Washington College where she met her first husband Jack Shelquist.
Jean and Jack had two children, Jack and Jill, who died in a tragic car accident at the ages of 20 and 14.
Shortly after that Jill’s friend, Lori, came to live with Jean after Jacks death in 1974.
Their relationship became as mother and daughter, In 1978 Jean married Walt Smith where she found love and happiness in her new family, which included Walt, Laurel and Mike.
She continued to be surrounded by their love all of her life.
She delighted in being a grandmother to ten grandchildren, great grandchildren and especially her great-great granddaughter, Lily.
Walt and Jean traveled to Europe, China, Australia and Brazil.
They also traveled many places in their travel trailer camping, fishing and sightseeing.
They enjoyed bowling together.
Walt died in 1992.
After Walt’s death their good friend, Bud Verhine and Jean became loving companions until Bud’s death in 2002.
She was able to embrace the love of Bud’s children Peggy, Sandra, Lorene and Becky.
In 2001 Jean’s niece Elizabeth Rees came from Brazil to become a vital part of Jean’s family.
Bud and Jean traveled to South America and drove across the United States.
Jean was preceded in death by Jack, her children Jack and Jill, Walt, Bud, her siblings Charles, Raymond and Leonard Olson, and sisters Margaret Rees, and Mary Watkins; and is survived by her sisters Anna May King and Ruth Haglund of Spokane, her sister-in-law Lucile Olson, Walt’s children; Walter Smith (Nancy), Laurel Smith (Lee).
Mike Smith (Rona); daughter Lori Montlavo (Greg); and special niece Elizabeth Rees Morgan.
Bud’s children; Peggy McVitty, Sandra Del Prado, Becky Sweeny, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jean was a very special lady who lovingly drew everyone to her.
She will be sorely missed by all her family, and her many friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be sent to Providence Hospice or your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.