Obituary of Jeanne Eileen Kummer

Jeanne was born January 31, 1925 in San Diego, CA to Robert and Frieda (Giese) Watkins.  Jeanne was the second of three children, bookended by her older sister Dorothy Mae and younger sister Delores. Shortly after Jeanne’s birth, the family settled in Long Beach, WA, where Jeanne would spend the next 23 years. She graduated from Ilwaco High School in 1940 at the top of her class.

Jeanne worked as a waitress at Red’s Diner, where she met Bill Kummer. They were married on June 4, 1948 at her parent’s home in Long Beach and were able to celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary last year, two days prior to Bill’s death. Jeanne was not wanting to celebrate an anniversary without her beloved Billy, and passed on June 3, allowing her to celebrate a heavenly 70th anniversary on June 4 with Bill.

Jeanne and Bill had three children, Rhonda, Teri and Jim. Jeanne loved her family and devoted much of her life caring for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jeanne and Bill owned several small businesses together. Bill was the super salesman, while Jeanne was the super glue, who took Bill’s business dreams and turned them into reality. Jeanne was always the wind beneath Bill’s wings.

Jeanne loved her girlfriends and created close friendships with many people. As her interests in life evolved, she made lasting friends from her bowling teams, pinochle group, golfing club, and sports car racing teams.

Jeanne was the favorite aunt to many of her nieces and nephews. She was a soft spoken, intelligent woman and became a trusted confidant to many in her family. She expressed her concern and love with little gifts and homemade cookies. Jeanne always put other people first and quietly worked and sacrificed behind the scenes. Her innocent demeanor masked her competitive spirit when she played cards, and many people were caught off guard by her fierce winning ability at the card table.

Jeanne will be remembered for living her life with unwavering love and devotion to her family and friends. She inspired us with amazing strength, courage and grace as she journeyed through this last year of her life. She will be missed beyond measure, but has left an imprint in all of our hearts