Jessie B. Gramps

Jessie B. Gramps (Dickey) passed away on April 2, 2012, at Manor Care, Spokane. Born in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario on April 15, 1914 to parents Bill Bernard and Edna French, Jessie moved to the U.S. during early childhood. She grew up in Tieton, WA, and graduated from Tieton High School in 1929. Jessie lived in North Spokane for 60 years and 2 years in Hawaii. She went to work for Spencer’s Photo in 1955 and spent over 35 years in the photo finishing business. Jessie was very charismatic and social oriented. She had a love for cooking, was an accordion and organ player, and an excellent swimmer. “Oh yes, Jessie, we do miss all those pool parties that you hosted.” Jessie was the Marilyn Monroe and Rita Heyworth in her heyday. She was very vibrant and outspoken. She didn’t mind being compared to Elizabeth Taylor, with all her marriages, (5 in all), because they have all passed before her. It made it more acceptable to explain the new hubby on the block. Jessie loved to go places. Whether to Arizona, on a cruise ship, or down to the local grocery store, she liked to be on the move. Growing up in the big band era, she loved Jimmy Dorsey. She also loved the 1950’s Rock n Roll, and of course her favorite, Don Ho of Hawaii. With all this love of music, Jessie was a great dancer. Jessie had a great caring for her family. She loved taking care of her three sons as they grew up and caring for her grand, great, and great-great grandkids. For years, she held a Christmas party for her grandchildren at her home. “It was a party to behold. Jessie had so many talents and her inner spirit will carry all of us forever to be thoughtfully compelled to keep her love within us. She wanted to be blessed by the four seasons in her external life and her full circle of life must not be broken. Jessie would be the last to show if her feelings were down and didn’t have time to cherish what is. Jessie, we will miss you. Yes, Jessie, you have walked down to the edge of eternity. Jessie, thank you, for the light of a new day. Jessie, thank you for your love and harmony. Jessie, thank you for the rain and fires of a new day. Jessie, what we have forgotten, we will remember you. We end our words.” Jessie was preceded in death by the late Earl C. Dickey, who she was married to for 41 years, and by the late Jim Gramps, whom she was married to for the last 16 years. Also by her sons, Richard and Nathan; a daughter-in-law, Lurane; and a grandson, Shane. She is survived by her son, John; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. A special thank you to those caring staff members of WindRiver and Manor Care. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 3:00 PM at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N DIVISION, SPOKANE with Pastor Virtus Young officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crosswalk of Spokane.