Jeanette Ann Zellmer

Jeanette passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at the age of 89 in Davenport, WA. She was born in Little Falls, MN, to Guilbert and Phyllis (Turnacliff) Jarvis and lived there with her elder siblings Kenneth (Mae Etta) and Marian (Harvey) until they moved to Austin, MN, where she spent her school years. Jeanette attended Austin Junior College for one year and then transferred to Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls, IA, where she earned a B.A in Art Education. Jeanette taught junior high art in Albert Lea, MN, for two years and attended summer graduate courses in Boulder, CO where she enjoyed painting the landscapes that differed drastically from the geography of Minnesota and Iowa.

In 1960, college friend Carole Lewis who was teaching in Spokane suggested she apply for a teaching position in Spokane. She was hired after a phone interview and moved west, accompanied by her brother Ken in her new Chevy Biscayne. Jeanette taught middle school art in Spokane from 1960-1963.

Jeanette married the love of her life Richard when they were both attending a Central United Methodist Church young-adult group. She was the “lady in green” that caught Richard’s eye across the room. They married in Little Falls, MN, on June 30, 1962 and lived in Spokane for a short time while she continued teaching and Richard worked as a USDA meat inspector.

Richard and Jeanette moved to the Albert and Irma Zellmer family farm in Davenport in 1964 when her in-laws retired from farming, and Jeanette embraced the life of a farm wife. Their first daughter Alissa was born in 1963. In 1967 they adopted second daughter Kay; and in 1972, son Kyle was adopted.

As a member of the Davenport-Edwall United Methodist church for over 60

years, she served in Sunday School, Bible studies, and Methodist Women’s groups. She utilized her artistic abilities to design and

make church banners and also create seasonal arrangements for the altar.

Jeanette loved preparing home-cooked meals for her family as well as the hired workers who filled out the dinner table during harvest. She also loved swimming; taking long walks around the farm; gardening; and seeking out and identifying trees, wildflowers, and birds. She and Richard joined the Audubon Society and enjoyed several hikes with the club. Though she did not return to full-time teaching, she did volunteer in Mel Addington’s 6th grade classroom where she taught art for about 8 years.

Jeanette enjoyed traveling to the Midwest, Oregon, British Columbia, and Hawaii on family vacations every summer. Highlights in her 70’s included travel with Richard to Germany to visit long-time Zellmer family friend, Agnes Klingshirn and Agnes’ family as well as an Alaskan cruise.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband Richard. She is survived by her children Alissa (Joe) Nadeau, Kay Zellmer, and Kyle (Kristin) Zellmer; grandchildren Hannah (Frosty) Giron, Brody Nadeau, Tessa (Kellan) Hogan, Alex Spangler, Kylin Spangler, Cady Zellmer, and Chase Zellmer; great grandsons Jade and Eden Giron; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Davenport-Edwall United Methodist Church, 201 6th St, Davenport, WA, with The Reverend Keri Rainsberger officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Lincoln Hospital Foundation, People For People transportation, Davenport-Edwall UMC, or the Audubon Society. Fond Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.strate-funeral.com for the Zellmer family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, Davenport, WA is caring for the family.