Obituary: Rollis, Jillene Joan

Fri., April 27, 2012

ROLLIS, Jillene Joan

October 1, 1937 -
April 24, 2012

Jillene Joan Rollis passed away at home on Tuesday, surrounded by family.

Jill, a resourceful and creative thinker was known for her giving spirit and strong will.

She raised four children Hope Rollis, Bellingham WA, Brice Alden, Palm Desert, CA, Kelly Phanco, Burien WA and Janet Hogan, Huntsville, AL to be dedicated to service.

They demonstrate leadership in churches, non-profit organizations, ecological restoration and business.

Her grandchildren, Tyler Rollis, Colin Wallace, Benjamin Phanco, Joshua Phanco, Marissa Phanco, Felicia Hogan and Isabelle Hogan all grew up with handmade gifts, packages of books and the solid advice she gave their parents.

Jill (GG) was very close to her great-grandson, River Phanco.

She also shared life with sister, Jackie Solien, brothers, Danny and Dallas Weeks and six nieces and nephews.

As a pioneer in special education preschool, she changed the lives of 250 children.

Jill loved to garden and create jewelry for others.

Birds of every variety could find a meal at her many feeders.

Jill was predeceased by her husband Jack Saulls and her treasured schnauzers, Mo and Bro.

To honor her, the family is hosting a “Give Together” on April 28th from 3 pm to 4 pm at A New Leash on Life Market Place, 707 Andrew Jackson, Huntsville, AL 35801.

At Jill’s request please send no flowers.

She preferred that contributions be made to A New Leash on Life, which is a unique foster and adoption program for homeless pets.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.