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Karen Jessup

Karen Alice (Tenneson) Jessup (age 74) was born December 22, 1941, in Burlington, Wash. to William and Alice (Smith) Tenneson. Early on February 12, 2016, heaven gained another beautiful angel when she lost her long-standing battle with multiple myeloma cancer.

She attended Bulington Edison High School and Western Washington College, graduating in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in teaching with an emphasis on home economics. She started a teaching career in Coulee City in 1965, teaching home ec and biology. She also was the first girls' basketball coach, and the team went undefeated in her two seasons as coach.

In 1967, Karen married the love of her life, Denny Jessup of Coulee City. Together they traveled the Pacific Northwest, following Denny's love of cattle ranching. They arrived in Wilbur with three kids, 25 cows, two horses, two cats and two dogs. In 1982, they acquired their own operation, where they were able to build on their dreams, and Rock Bottom Ranch was born.

Karen was an active participant in the Wilbur community where she was a 4-H leader and brought wheat education to the local schools. Karen substitute taught in the local school districts and was involved in the Lincoln County Cattle Women's Association. She was also the heart and soul of Rock Bottom Ranch, whether she was caring for a sick child, changing water lines, baling hay, working with livestock or simply keeping her family and home intact.

Karen had a love for knitting dish rags, quilting with her local quilting clubs, watching Gonzaga basketball, gardening, cooking and baking. Her true passion was the time she spent with her six grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband of 49 years, Denny; son Chad (Lisa) of Wilbur; son Ty (Tanya) of Waterville and daughter Shannon (Todd Monson) of Almira and six grandchildren Callie, Cam, Carter, Braxton, Taylor and Savannah. She is also survived by her sister Sandra Tenneson of Burlington.

At the family's discretion they will not be holding a service but will gather together later in the year to celebrate the memory of Karen. In celebration of her life, the family asks that you donate to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in lieu of cards and flowers. Karen will be greatly missed, as she has touched many lives with her kindness, humor and gentle ways.

To make a donation, go to mmrf.org, click on the donate button, tribute page, donate to Karen Jessup. You may also donate by mail: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., 5th floor, Norwalk, CT 06851 or by phone at 203-229-0464, all in honor of Karen Jessup.

 

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