Jean Ellen Bronleewe

Jean Ellen Bronleewe, 66 years old, passed away at her home in Camp Verde on Monday, April 21, 2008. She was born on February 3, 1942 to John and Evadene (Stedjee) Jacoby in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a youngster her family moved to Yuma, Arizona, where Jean graduated from High School. She graduated from Wheaton College in Chicago, Illinois with a degree in Christian Education. Following which, she obtained a job with the First Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Oregon; where she met Gordon H. Bronleewe. They married on February 26, 1966. She and Gordon built a horse riding facility which they name Springhill Ranch. Jean showed and trained the horses, as well as trained individuals to ride. In 1989, she and Gordon sold the ranch and retired to Sun River, Oregon for one year. While in Sun River, Jean spent many hours writing a Bible Study based on the One Year Bible. In 1990, she began to work full-time at the family owned business; Fir Lawn Cemetery, Oregon Memorials, Bronleewe-Bass Funeral Home; as well as, Elite Granite and Marble and Permavase. Jean served as CEO until her retirement in 1998. She and Gordon then raised more horses on their property in Vernonia, Oregon where she created a trail riding club. It was in 2001 that she and Gordon moved to Camp Verde and made their final home; enjoying the warm weather and her horses. She was also able to led a small group Bible Study in her home until her health declined. November 22, 2005 Gordon passed away. She is also preceded in death by her parents; and her step-son, Tom. She is survived by her step-children, Sam Bronleewe with his wife, Bonnie, Jennie Bronleewe, Dan Bronleewe with his wife, Julie, Tim Bronleewe with his wife, Paula, and Becky Sturgeon with her husband, Kent; her foster daughter, Vicki Olds; her sister, Joan Vosen with her husband, Harold; as well as, 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchilren; and 2 nieces. A Memorial Service will be held at the Verde Baptist Church in Camp Verde on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 11:00am; followed by a gathering of family and friends at the family home, also in Camp Verde. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 2:00pm at the Fir Lawn Cemetery in Hillsboro, Oregon; Fir Lawn Mortuary Chapel will hold a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 1:00pm. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com