Verjean "Jean" Simpson

Verjean (Jean) Simpson, 84, a resident of Baker City, died Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in a Boise, Idaho hospital.  Memorial services for Jean will be held July 22, 2023, at 2:00 pm in the First Presbyterian Church, 1995 4th St., Baker City, Oregon. Reverend Cynthia Wunder of the church will officiate the service.  A reception will follow the service.  Private inurnment will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Baker City, Oregon.

Verjean (Jean) Rancore Simpson - Geddes was born in Blackduck, Minnesota on July 26, 1938, to William B. and Ruth Alfreda (Olofson) Rancore.  At the age of 3, Jean moved with her family to Oregon.  She grew up on a farm 2 miles from Falls City.  She attended Falls City Grade and High School and graduated in 1956. 

She attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, and graduated with a BS in Education in 1960.  She married Charles D. Simpson on May 7, 1960, and worked at Tektronix in Beaverton until Chuck graduated as an Optometrist in January of 1961.  They spent the next 3 years in Carlisle, PA where Chuck was an Army Optometrist and Jean worked in the Post Library until Jill was born in 1963.  On returning to civilian life, Chuck bought an Optometry Practice in Baker, Oregon.  Christy was born in 1965. 

Chuck passed away in 2003 after a 6-year battle with Alzheimer's.  Jean married Gerald Geddes on February 25, 2006; Jerry passed away on May 3, 2007. 

Jean loved working with her children and others with Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church in Baker City, Girl Scouts, and other functions.  She was a bowler and loved the outdoors.  She belonged to AAUW, Baker Historical Society, Community Choir, Arts East, and Crossroads, and was an Elder and Deacon in the Presbyterian Church. 

Jean volunteered with Pathway Hospice and later with Heart and Home Hospice.  She worked part-time with CAL-Pac Electric CO., Baker County Health Department, and as an Enumerator for the Dept. of Agriculture.  Jean loved to read, write poetry and stories, travel, take pictures, and scrapbooks.  She also tried her hand at stained glass and carving.  Little theater was another love.  She worked through HS and into Crossroads and EORT, Props, Staging, and Directing, and seldom acting. 

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Darlene Frink, and Chummy Neirenhausen, brother- Denny Rancore, and nephew Merrill Frink.  Husbands Charles Simpson and Gerald Geddes and good friend John Duke. 

She is survived by Friend Ron Mills; Daughters Jill Harlan, and Christy (Scott) Swindlehurst; Step Children JeriAnn Geddes, Rita (Steve) Humphreys, and Brian (Debi) Geddes. Jean is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donations may go to the First Presbyterian Church or to an organization of your choice through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR  97814. 

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