Laura Jean (Middleton) Henke

Jean was born September 24, 1916, at the Bunco Ranger Station near Belmont, Idaho, where her dad was a forest ranger. She died April 4, 2015, in Spokane, Wash. She was the second of three children born to Clifford and Bessie Middleton. She attended school in Clarkford and Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Jean obtained her lifetime teaching certificate from Lewiston Normal and taught in Oldtown and Sandpoint

One of her students introduced her to his older brother, Ervin Henke. Ervin and Jean were married in Carson City Nev., and followed dam construction projects, settling in Grand Coulee where they raised their three children. Jean taught school in Grand Coulee, did correspondence courses and went to summer school to earn her B.A., and fifth year credentials from EWU. If you went to school in Grand Coulee prior to 1980 she may have taught you to read.

After retirement she traveled throughout the United States and made one trip to Europe. Her traveling companion was often her lifelong friend, Rowena Mooney.

She spent the last few years of her life at Rockwood at Hawthorne Retirement Center where she received wonderful care.

Jean was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Grand Coulee Dam Senior Center, and was a Deacon in the Baptist Church in Electric City. She loved watching the Seahawks, Mariners and Gonzaga.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister Dorothy Barker, brother Clifford, son-in-law Terry Mort and two grandchildren Candi Henke Steele and Michael D. Sutton Jr.

She is survived by her children, Clifford (Judy) Henke, Diane Mort, Carolyn (Roy) Campbell, 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two (soon to be three) great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Grand Coulee Dam Seniors or the Grand Coulee Dam School District for school supplies for area children.

Join us Saturday, April 18, 2015, between two and four p.m., at the GCD Senior Center to enjoy some desserts and a time of reminiscing about our mom and gramma! Please come and share your memories.