She was born on September 3, 1931, to parents, Edward and Evelyn V. Anderson in Grants Pass, Oregon, and was the eighth of ten children in her family. She graduated from Grants Pass High School.
While visiting her sister on Sauvie Island, she met Don Elbon through their mutual friends. They fell in love, and were married on December 3, 1953, in Portland, Oregon. The couple was married for 56 years, until Don’s passing in 2010. Jean continued to live in the home they had purchased in 1956 until she moved to Summerplace Assisted Living Community in 2023.
Jean was a full-time mother and homemaker, who took immense pride in raising her children and taking care of their home. She loved creating beauty around her, and did so through home decorating and maintaining beautiful flower beds. She was also an incredible seamstress, and an avid reader. Jean had a strong faith in God and was active in the church throughout her life. She attended Lents-Gilbert Church of God and New Hope Community Church, where she enjoyed spending time with friends in their women’s Bible study group.
Jean’s warmth and kindness were felt by all who met her. She had a great sense of humor and many unique sayings: “Stars and garters!” “Good night nurse!” and “I’m sweatin’ like a trooper!” She deeply loved her parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews; and especially her own children and grandchildren. She rejoiced in their accomplishments and felt genuine concern for their challenges, even when she was experiencing her own struggles.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Barbara Montez of Portland, Ore.; son, Craig Elbon (Lora) of Portland, Ore.; five grandchildren, Anna Thielke (Nick) of Estacada, Ore., Sarah Wick (Richard) of Walla Walla, Wash., Emma Elbon of Portland, Ore., Christa Forrester of Portland, Ore., and Jessica Bae of Portland, Ore.; and three great-grandchildren, Ryan and Cailyn Thielke of Estacada, Ore., and Jacob Wick of Walla Walla, Wash.
A memorial service honoring Jean’s memory will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.
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