She was born Oct 15, 1941, in Wolf Mountain, NC; one of 8 children born to Joseph T. and Connie Elizabeth (Galloway) Owen. Jeannie’s father, a timberman, built their home for them, and she told stories of fetching water from outdoors and having no electricity where they lived.
Jeannie loved music, and it was a big part of her life. When she was very young, maybe 7, she and her brother, Harley, ordered a guitar from the Sears catalog. They played together at local venues, with Jeannie later playing with ‘Curley Williams and the Country Feelings Band.’ She met her husband, Gerald M. ‘Jerry’ Palmateer at the Chehalis Eagles Aerie 11 years ago. The two later formed ‘J & J Karaoke,’ performing at the Chehalis Senior Center, the 12 Step Club at Yard Birds, and many other places in and around Lewis County.
Jeannie loved to cook and sew; she especially enjoyed quilting. She was a loving mother that took her children camping, fishing, and motorcycle riding. She had an amazing garden, made sure that her kids had farm fresh eggs and milk, and canned just about everything.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, L. Myron Leef; a baby girl, Colleen, in 1962; and siblings, Pauline Harris, Hazel Harris, Bill Owen, Harley Owen, Lassie Owen, and Louise Guilliams.
She is survived by her loving husband, Gerald M. ‘Jerry’ Palmateer; sons, Don Leef, Will Leef, and Brian (Heidi) Erickson; daughters, Connie Mustard, Lori (Kenya) Greene, Evie Leef, and Jeannette Timbrook; 23 grandchildren; 30 great- grandchildren; sister, Ruby Shelton; and many nieces and nephews that adored her.
The funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, Dec 1, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S Gold Street, Centralia. A reception will follow the service in the Chapel’s Hospitality Room, followed by interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Cathlamet, Wash.
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