Jean Louise Leland, age 93, a longtime resident of Marcus, WA passed away on Dec. 28, 2024 in Colville, WA.  Jean was born on June 19, 1931 in Cheney, WA, the daughter of Quinten A. and Ethel M. (Fuhrman) Connelly.

Jean and her family moved often and she attended 11 schools in her first 12 years of education.  She would often say this proved a "rolling stone" does not gather moss.  On Nov. 30, 1950 she married her sweetheart, Richard "Dick" Leland in Spokane, WA at the St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Together they resided in the states of California, Montana, Texas and Washington.  Jean took great pride in dedicating herself  to her family and considered being a homemaker her primary occupation.

Jean had a life-long passion for scripture and enjoyed countless hours of Bible study.  Together with her husband, she studied for the ministry at the Living Waters Christian Fellowship Institute in Port Arthur, Texas, where both graduated and were ordained in 1969. Jean was at Dick's side while he pastored a church in Victoria, Texas, for nine years. They then traveled together as Dick ministered throughout North and South America. Eventually they settled in Marcus where they served in fellowship with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Jean found moments of quiet and contemplative time as she sewed and knitted many garments and blankets, most of which she gave away to help those in need.  Jean also enjoyed gardening to provide food for her family and friends. Known for her bountiful berry patch and the preserves she produced from it, Jean earned the nickname "The Jam Lady" among many in her community. She contributed to town life by her participation in The Marcus Riverview Ladies Club and her service on the Marcus City Council.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Dick on September 27, 2010.

She is survived by her 4 children: Danelle Leland of Spokane, WA, Nancy J. Johnson of Victoria, TX, Julie Biggerstaff (James) of Hot Springs Village, AR, R.Q. "Slim" Leland (Kathy) of Inez, TX; by 5 of her siblings: Donna Keblish (Tom) of Chula Vista, CA, Robert "Bob" Carey of Fallbrook, California, James "Jim"  Carey  (Brenda) of Yuma, AZ, Rickie Connelly, and Susie Connelly; by 15 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

The funeral service for Jean L. Leland will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kettle Falls, WA.  Pastor Anthony Burrell will officiate.  Jean will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Grandview Cemetery in Marcus, WA.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Memorial contributions may be given to the Sheridan Meadows Adventist Retreat Center, Republic, Washington.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.