Jean Mehlhorn, 72, of Hood River, died July 20, 2003, after a short illness.
A memorial service for her and her husband, Dale, will be scheduled later.
Jean was born on Feb. 3, 1931, to Dorothy and Ray Smith at Mill City, Kan. She was a few minutes older than her identical twin sister, Joan.
The Smith family moved to California where Jean spent her childhood and early school days. They settled in Halfway where she attended high school and met Dale Mehlhorn.
Jean and Dale married in 1948 and moved to Corvallis, where Dale attended Oregon State University.
Jean and her family then returned to Baker County. She worked as a receptionist for several area doctors and raised her boys. Jean’s greatest joys were camping with her family and watching her boys grow and participate in all manner of sports.
In 1968 Jean and Dale moved to Ontario where together they managed Delta Feeders. After the sale of that business she went to work at an area drug store as manager of the cosmetics department.
Retirement brought new interests. Dale and Jean became avid golfers. They spent many happy times traveling and playing dozens of courses throughout the West.
They settled for the last time at Hood River, where they spent three happy years.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Fred Mehlhorn; and her husband, Dale.
Survivors include her son, Ed Mehlhorn and his wife, Jana, of Fruitland, Idaho; granddaughters Ragan McBeth (Page), Sara Mehlhorn and Pam Kelly; grandson, Christopher Mehlhorn; great-grandson, Luke McBeth; great-granddaughter, Katie Kelly; sister, Deloris York, and twin sister, Joan Bloom; and brothers, Bud and Fred Smith.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont, Hood River, OR 97031.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, August 1, 2003
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor