Jeanne E. (Madtson) Parker of Montesano, Washington, passed peacefully at her home on Dec. 3, 2019. She was born Jan. 19, 1941, in Jasper, Minnesota, and moved with her family to Washington in 1954. She graduated from WF High School in Chehalis, Washington. This is where she met the love of her life, Harlow (Butch) Parker in 1957. They were married on April 23, 1960. They were looking forward to celebrating 60 years of marriage. The following year, they welcomed their “precious” bundle, a daughter, Victoria. The family lived in the Hoquiam area while Harlow worked in the logging industry.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and her grandson, Cody. In addition to her husband and daughter, Vicki Shetler and husband Jake, Jeanne is survived by three brothers, Jerry Madtson (Jane), Joe Madtson (Kathy) and Mark Madtson (Garcie), one sister, Sherri Wilcox, one sister-in-law, Hazel Wakefield and many nieces and nephews.
Jeanne belonged to many organizations donating her time and talents. She belonged to the Elks, VFW, Moose and FOE. Jeanne joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Aberdeen in 1977. She helped in the kitchen, became an officer serving her first term of Madam President in 1980-1981. She was instrumental in creating the Ritual Team and many other functions for fundraisers. She was known for her pounds of potato salad she made from scratch and her marinated mushrooms. She achieved her goal by being installed as State Madam President in 1995. She was appointed to the Hall of Fame for Washington State in 2010 and her home Auxiliary, Elma #1440, in 2013. She was for “People Helping People.” Jeanne loved to do crafts and with the help of many helping hands, created beautiful gifts and items for auctions and raffles. She made beautiful baskets that she donated to fundraisers.
An Eagle Tribute and memorial will be held on Dec. 21, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the Elma Eagles Aerie Home at 404 W. Young St. in Elma. A potluck luncheon will follow. Salads and desserts would be appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elma Eagles Auxiliary at PO Box 519, Elma, WA. 98541, in Jeanne’s memory for her many projects.
