Ethyl "Jean" Bighill

Naselle, Washington resident Jean Bighill, 71, died February 15, 2007 in Astoria. The daughter of Alonzo and Gertrude (Gragg) Clay, she was born December 11, 1935 in Delano, California. She lived in Delano until she was age 10 when her family moved to Portland. She resided there for several years until moved to the Eden Valley area east of Rosburg, Washington. She met Ron "Skeeter" Bighill at a local carnival and they were married July 14, 1952, establishing their residence in Naselle. Jean became a wife, mother and friend to many. She served as a 4-H leader for many years and as a Cub Scout den mother. She loved horses and always kept several close by. She enjoyed gardening and over the years looked after many of the neighborhood children who remained lifelong friends. She was also an excellent cook who shared her skills in the kitchen with others. Artistically inclined, she was a skilled painter and she was known in Naselle for painting the windows of area residences and businesses at Christmas time. Her family was her pride and joy and together they enjoyed many trips to locations such as Disneyland, Hawaii and Mexico and she also attended the local sporting events her grandchildren participated in. Jean is survived by sons David Bighill of Naselle and Danny Bighill of Tacoma, WA; daughters Tracy Shirek of Tacoma, Ginger Moonen of Skamokawa, WA and Cathy Phillips of Greenville, TX; sisters Ruth and husband Scottie Scott of Spokane, WA, Dorothy and husband Fred Catlin of Yakima, WA and Edna Blain of Longview, WA; 12 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter and one great-grandchild pending. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2001 and by several brothers. Celebration of her life will be held Monday, February 19, 2007, 1:00 PM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach, WA. A reception follows at the chapel. Those wishing may sign the guestbook at www.penttilaschapel.com.