Eugene Harris White

Eugene , or "Gene" as he was known, was born in Decorah, Iowa and was the proud son of Carl and Esther White. He was the oldest of six children including Harlan White, Gordon White, Goldie Munsell, Jane Wagar and Jim White. The family relocated from Iowa to Washington with their young family and settled in in the Wishkah Valley, Malone, Centralia and on a farm in Rochester over the next several years.

Gene exchanged vows with the love of his life, Jeanette Simmons, on August 28, 1954 in Oakville, Washington and were married for 64 years. He was a United States Army veteran and received an occupation medal for service in Germany after the end of WWII. Following his service, he worked in the plywood mill in Centralia while also helping his parents with their dairy farm.

The Whites lived on the Prine Road in Tumwater for several years and later moved to the Boston Harbor area in north Olympia, where the family has special memories of living on a small farm while Gene also worked at the St. Regis Plywood Mill. The property consisted of a barn, animals, fruit and nut trees, and a large garden. In 1968, Gene and Jeanette bought a dairy farm in Rochester, Washington where he lived until recently. After retiring in 1993, they continued to live in a house across the street from the farm, always keeping an eye on the land they loved. Gene and Jeanette were a harmonious team working on the farm while raising their family. He would often remind his children, Doug, Linda, Carol, Annette and Rhonda that “Mother is the boss.”

Above all else, Gene was a family man. He was known for consistently putting his family first, and everything he did was for his loved ones. He was hardworking and set an example of determination and diligence for his children and grandchildren. He was known for his kindness helping friends and neighbors. He was so loved and will be missed by many.

Eugene Harris White was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Opal White (2019) and daughter, Rhonda Kay White (1984). He is survived by three daughters, Linda Diane Lund (Dean), Carol Anne Gravatt (Don), Annette Louise Schuller (Brad) and son, Douglas Eugene White, as well as 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. A legacy of love; a legacy of family.

Funeral services followed by a reception will be on Friday, April 1 at 11:00 am at Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park with burial at the Grand Mound Cemetery at 2:00 pm for close family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millsandmillsfunerals.com for the White family.