Dolores “Jean” Arnold
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
The second of three children, Jean was born on September 1, 1932 to Delbert and Viola Allen in Mica, Washington. Jean was part of the Southeastern County Fair 1949 royal court and graduated from Central Valley High School in 1950, keeping lifelong friendships, known as the “Nifty 50”s” with Betty Snow, Donna Skeie, Donna Marie Liab and Carol Davis. Jean married Bill Arnold on March 27, 1959 and they were married for 61 years, until Bill passed in 2020. Jean worked at Early Childhood Education Center for many years and then as a bookkeeper/ office manager at John Bardelli law office until her retirement in 1994.
After retiring, Bill and Jean loved traveling throughout the United States including stops in Branson, Mo and Nebraska. They also spent 25 years wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona where Jean belonged to a Red Hat Society and enjoyed flea market shopping. They enjoyed many activities with family and friends including camping, dances at the community center, and playing golf. Jean loved to play all games, reading, puzzling and was an excellent seamstress. In her later years, she enjoyed solving the puzzles on tv game shows. Jean loved to cook, and her grandchildren would never pass up an opportunity to have Grandma’s chicken and noodles, spaghetti or banana nut bars.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; Sister,Marie Floch and brother, Gordon Allen.
Jean is survived by her daughter Vicki Vinson of Spokane Valley and son Ken (Christine) Arnold of East Wenatchee, Wa; grandchildren Amanda (David) Henry, Brandon (Ashley) Arnold, Kyia (Chris) Norman and Megan (Cameron) Presher; great-grandchildren Kelly, Addison, Decker and Kinsley; Stepson, Stephen (Ingrid) Arnold; Cousin, Vera Stanley and many loved grand-dogs. She is also leaving many life-long friends.
Our family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of those from Senior Angel Care who cared for Jean in the last year. We would also like to send a very special thank you to Maria Gibert for keeping Jean company in the late-night hours and ensuring her nails always looked tip top. We appreciate everything you did for her.
A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Jean’s name to the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, Beyond Pink or the Humane Society.
To Jean's family,
I was saddened to hear of Jean's passing. I remember her being very gracious. She cared about the history of our community, and I am grateful for the images and support she gave to the museum. My sympathies to the family. I hope good memories will comfort you during this time of grief.
Love to all,
Jayne Singleton
Spokane Valley Museum