Jeanette Zemmer, 84, longtime resident of Baker City, died on March 25, 2018 at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City, Oregon. A Celebration of Jeanette's Life will be held at a later date.
Jeanette C. Zemmer was born to Wilburn Everette and Minnie Jewel Stutts in Middleton Texas.
One of seven children, she started working, as did her siblings, in her early teens to help support her family. She worked as both a waitress and a seamstress in a sewing factory. After relocating to Oregon, she worked to help found the Head Start program in Milton-Freewater. The last job she held was as receptionist for her husband, Dr. Jack Woodhall, who preceded her in death.
Jeanette was a talented artist, seamstress, gardener, crafter, and hostess. She loved fishing, camping, dancing, playing and singing music, and her wonderful southern cooking was legendary. Of the many gifts she possessed, she was above all else a loving and generous mother. She deeply cherished and wholeheartedly embraced the role of parent, adviser, mentor and friend.
She had fiery red hair and a fierce spirit that always made her seem so much bigger than her tiny 5’2” stature. Her sense of adventure was evenly matched by an optimistic and indomitable nature. A quick wit and infectious laugh ensured a very special place in the hearts of all her family and friends.
Jeanette is survived by her children: Joe Skinner of Livingston, Texas; Victor Heddins, and his wife Lynn, of Cold Springs, Texas; Curtis Heddins, and his partner Kari Sutherland, of Burnet, Texas. Donna Miller and her husband Leon, of Springfield, Oregon; and Molly Johnson, and her partner Dan Campbell, of Baker City, Oregon. She is also survived by one grandchild, her namesake, Ashleigh Jeanette Villafane, and her husband Angelo, of Springfield, Oregon; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The last of her family, she was preceded in death by both parents and all of her siblings.
For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Jeanette, the family suggests Heart n Home Hospice through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. On line condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com