Jean Marie Shofner, age 71, a lifetime resident of the Harbor, died on July 27, 2020, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Jean was born on March 11, 1949, in Aberdeen, Washington to Robert Leo and Theresa Lou (Weil) McPherson. She was raised in Aberdeen and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1967. She attended Grays Harbor College before marrying Ross (Ed) Shofner in December 1970. They immediately moved to Rhode Island, where Ed was stationed with the U.S. Navy.

Jeani was a person who did whatever needed to be done. She did a variety of work over the years such as pumping gas at a station on the naval base, then working for Grays Harbor Log Scaling Bureau for many years. After being laid off from there she returned to college and received a bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College in 1998. From 1999 until retiring in 2015 she was the office manager for FGM Construction.

Jeani and Ed joined the Hoquiam First Presbyterian church over 30 years ago. She was very active in the church. When she felt called to become a commissioned lay pastor the congregation strongly supported her. This took several years to complete. She led the church through some difficult transitions. After an 18-month long process the Hoquiam First Presbyterian church joined with the Saron Lutheran Church of Hoquiam in January of 2019. Jeani became associate pastor of the merged churches. She greatly appreciated all the love and support she received from her congregation.

She was an active member of Altrusa International of Central Grays Harbor; a great supporter of the American Cancer Society, having served as captain for several Relay for Life teams; and was known for her efforts in working with and providing shelter for the homeless.

Surviving relatives include her husband, Ed Shofner of the family home in Hoquiam; a daughter and her husband, Sarabeth and Patrick Delozier of Olympia; one sister, Joan Julius of Hoquiam; a brother and his wife, Jack and Carol McPherson of Montesano; and brothers-in-law Eric Shofner of Aberdeen and Micky Shofner of Texas. The extended family includes six nieces, Merri Springer, Theressa Julius, Julie Aldrich, Adrienne Roush, Robin McPherson, Karen Weston, five great-nieces, four great-nephews as well as her special McCleary cousins.

A church memorial service will take place when large gatherings are allowed.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jeani’s name to Chaplains On the Harbor, 52 Arland Road, Montesano WA 98563 or First Presbyterian Building Fund, c/o Saron Lutheran Church, 708 8th St., Hoquiam WA 98550.

Cremation arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 5th St. in Hoquiam.

Private burial will take place in the McCleary Cemetery.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.