Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Dorothy "Jean" (Urban) Shaver passed away November 30, 2013 at OHSU in Portland, OR. She was born January 1, 1926 to
Wilfred and Laura (Spangler) Urban, in the town where she was raised, Parco, Wyoming. This small town would become an oil refinery/ company town (Sinclair, WY) but it was always Parco to Jean. There was never any place like Parco. She loved remembering the days she spent exploring the Platte River countryside and dancing at the local dances. The many friends she made and kept over the 87 years, held many wonderful memories. The blowing dust and tumble weeds Wyoming is known for, added to the beauty as far as Jean was concerned. There was no place like home. Jean's last trip home was
October 2012.
Jean graduated from Rawlins High School in 1944. She attended college in Laramie for a short time, some of us believe she may have majored in dance! During this time she had the opportunity to live with relatives in CA. This opportunity proved too enticing, Jean left the university and moved to California. This was a wonderful time in her life; lasting, loving relationships were formed. Prior to this time, during the war years Jean was corresponding with her brother Bill, a Marine who served in World War II and a friend of Bill's, Dale Shaver. Now some of you know the rest of the story.
Jean and Dale met in Parco and were married September 18, 1947, the dancer married the cowboy. They were a striking couple! The marriage meant another move away from family for Jean, this time to Oregon, where she met Dale's family. Dale was the youngest in his family, mostly known for his wild ways - marriage didn't change much for Dale but for Jean... well, you can imagine being away from friends and family, but Jean was determined or just plain stubborn. Dale was a lineman on a construction crew that traveled throughout Oregon and Washington putting in electrical lines. It was life on the road, traveling from one small town to the next, pulling their home on wheels ... with the wild and crazy line crew! Again, a life changing experience for Jean. Easing the loneliness came with the birth of their first daughter, Chris, followed a short time later by the arrival of Patti.
Time and years flew by and Jean was faced with saying goodbye to her cowboy. Dale passed away, March 15, 1997. She never stopped loving and acknowledging his presence in her life.
Over the years Jean had three passions, her family, bowling and dancing. She loved to bowl and spent over 50 years enjoying the sport and her many friends. Jean was honored Bowler of the Year in 1999. Family and extended family were there to celebrate with her on that special night. Bowlers, she loved you all and we appreciate the love and kindness she experienced from each of you.
Special thanks to a dear and cherished friend, Donna Rhodes. Donna the Faithful, sent Jean cards and letters (in abundance!), visited often, decorated for each season and was also her chauffeur. Donna, you have many jewels in your crown for your friendship and love, you're amazing.
We are also very grateful for the caregivers at Flagstone, the Oregon Veterans Home and especially The Springs at Mill Creek. Thank you all for your tender loving care.
Jean is survived by her sister, Rene Nelson, Cheyenne, WY; brother, Bill (Donna) Urban, Greensboro, NC; sister-in-laws, Charlene Urban, Laramie, WY; and Bobbie Lee Ward, The Dalles, OR; daughter Chris (Kelly) Skarphol; grandson, Cary (Michelle)
Tibbets and Dallis, Derek and Jordan; granddaughter Jennifer (George) Golder and Morgan and Taylor; daughter Patti (Tom) Elliott; grandson, Chad (Cheryl Mathews) Elliott and Amanda and Dane; granddaughters, Erin (Dave) Ford and Sammy and Jill (Ian) Hamilton. Two great-great granddaughters, Marlee and Madison. A few very special cousins and numerous much loved nieces and nephews.
Jean Shaver, better known as "Granny", would become "Granny" to any and everyone she met! How many times we have heard that since she passed, "She was my Granny too!" We loved sharing her with you all! Here's to Granny Jean! As her grandkids said: "The best Granny in the whole world!" We will miss you!
A celebration of Jean’s life is planned for Wednesday, January 1st at 1pm at The Springs at Mill Creek (Mill Creek Point). In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the
