Jean Venable, 84, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2009, at her home, with her family by her side. Jean was born in Wenatchee in 1925. She was raised in Malaga by her parents, Ben T. Gray and Pearl B. (Charlton) Gray. She was the oldest of seven children. She met her husband, Vernon T. Venable in 1944, while working for Boeing as a Riveter. They traveled all over the world until Vernon retired from the military. For many years, they lived in De Soto, MO, where they owned and operated several businesses. When they retired, they moved to Wenatchee to be with family. She made up for lost time, in the short time she has been back, enjoying all of the family members, such as brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, lots of extended family and friends. Jean was a lover of animals, always taking in strays. She was gentle and kind and had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved flowers and nature in general. She was a caregiver for many years for both her mother-in-law and father-in-law.

Jean is survived by two loving brothers, Bruce Gray of East Wenatchee and Jack Gray of East Wenatchee; several nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; three brothers, Bud Gray, Dale Gray and Bill Gray; and a sister, Adris Carter. She will be missed and remembered forever in our hearts.

There will be a Celebration of her Life on Sunday, December 20, 2009, at 2:00 p.m., at Jean Harkness' residence, 576 Morning View Drive, East Wenatchee, WA.