Jean E. Bronleewe 1942 - 2008

Jean Ellen Bronleewe, 66, died at her home in Camp Verde on April 21, 2008. She was born on Feb. 3, 1942 to John and Evadene (Stedjee) Jacoby in Milwaukee, Wis.

When she was a youngster her family moved to Yuma, where Jean graduated from high school. She graduated from Wheaton College in Chicago, Ill., with a degree in Christian Education.

She then obtained a job with the First Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Ore., where she met Gordon H. Bronleewe.

They married on Feb. 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, Ore., 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, Ore., 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 lead a small group Bible Study in her home until her health declined. Gordon died Nov. 22, 2005.

Jean is survived by her step-children, Sam Bronleewe (Bonnie), Jennie Bronleewe, Dan Bronleewe (Julie), Tim Bronleewe (Paula), and Becky Sturgeon (Kent); her foster daughter, Vicki Olds; her sister, Joan Vosen (Harold); as well as 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be at the Verde Baptist Church in Camp Verde on Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m., followed by a gathering of family and friends at the family home, also in Camp Verde.

A Graveside Service will be Tuesday, April 29, at 2 p.m. at the Fir Lawn Cemetery in Hillsboro, Ore.; Fir Lawn Mortuary Chapel will hold a Memorial Service on May 3 at 1 p.m.

An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com.