Obituary: Jean Ellen Waterbury, 95, The Dalles
Jean Ellen Waterbury was born on March 5, 1930, in Salem, Oregon, to Otto and Bertha Rogen. She passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 95.
Jean was raised in Salem, Portland, and Taft (Lincoln City), Oregon. She graduated from Taft High School in 1947 and later attended Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. While there, she met fellow student George Waterbury of Toledo, Oregon. The two were married in 1950.
Jean and George lived in Portland for three years before moving to Salem, where they purchased and operated a janitorial business. There, they raised their family of five sons and one daughter. In 1972, they moved to Seattle, Washington, where they lived until relocating to The Dalles, Oregon, in 1997.
In 2012, Jean moved to The Springs at Mill Creek, where she remained until her passing. The family extends their sincere gratitude to The Springs and its staff for the compassionate care they provided her.
She is survived by her children: Jay (Vicky) Waterbury of The Dalles, Oregon; Scott Waterbury of Snohomish, Washington; Mike Waterbury of Snohomish, Washington; Mark Waterbury of Glacier, Washington; Jim (Carla) Waterbury of Newberg, Oregon; and Jill Averett of Yuba City, California. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, George Waterbury; her sisters, Dorothy Bard and Olive King; and her brother, Orion Rogen.
A celebration of life may be held at a later date.
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
