Obituary of Jean Mountain

JEAN MARIE MOUNTAIN, aged 93 years and 364 days, peacefully passed away in Tucson, Arizona from complications of a fall. Jean was born on November 8th, 1922 in Cochranton, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Hattie Marie and Ralph Klinger. Jean spent her childhood in Columbus, Ohio with brother, Ernest Klinger (deceased). She worked many years as a telephone operator at Southwestern Bell. She later married Van Wayne Mountain (deceased) on September 5th, 1945 in Columbus, Ohio. She and Van moved to Carbondale, Illinois where they raised their family and were close to Van’s parents, Bessie and Howard Mountain. Van and Jean had three children, Pamela Sue, Jo Ann and Michael Wayne Mountain. Pam and Jo reside in Tucson; Michael resides in Carson City, Nevada. In 1953 the family relocated to Staunton, Illinois for Van’s employment. Jean worked in sales at Russell Furniture Store for many years while raising her family. She enjoyed her work and the many friendships she formed while residing there. Jean moved to Sacramento, California for several years, where she loved playing golf and visits from her family. In the early 1990’s, she moved to Tucson, Arizona to be closer to her daughters. Jean loved the warm climate and spending time with her grandkids, Justin Smith (Jaime) and Amanda Baldenegro. Her great grandchildren, Vanessa and Sarah Mountain, Kiki and Sal Baldenegro were dear to her heart. Jean was a trooper, having beaten breast cancer and bladder cancer as an elderly woman. Her determination to survive was nothing short of a miracle. Jean was a cat lover (MauMau), but a multitude of family dogs brought many smiles and pure delight. Her simple pleasures were Chinese food lunches with her grandson, thrift shopping with her daughters, reading mystery novels, watching “who done its” with daughter, Jo, going for rides and snacking on strawberries, ice cream and dark chocolate. Her scrumptious Apple pies, with melt in your mouth crust, were her signature dish, a family favorite! A heartfelt thank you to all the “angels” at Peppi’s House. You made her final days comfortable and peaceful. The family could not have wanted for a more compassionate and caring place for Jean. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at her daughter’s home. God Bless you, Grandma Jean. May you Rest in Peace.