Thelma Jean Putman, known affectionately to friends and family as Jean, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 24th, 2025. Born on February 9th, 1929, in the quaint town of Dunsmuir, California to Frank and Mildred Eller. She was the youngest, having 2 older siblings, Joan and Harold.

The family moved to Oakland, CA where her parents owned and operated Ellers 5 and 10 Variety Store for 38 years. She, along with her siblings, helped with the store while attending school. Jean graduated from Fremont HS in 1947. She worked at a phone company for a brief time before marrying at 21. She had two children, Gary and Linda.

When that marriage ended, she moved herself and children to Albany, OR. Jean married Ed Putman in October 1956, blending families of his 3 children, Richard, Brenda and Russ and her 2 children, Gary and Linda and the following August the last child, Pam completed the family.

In 1958 they moved their family to a community in North Albany amongst the farmers and for 35 years raised their family, creating orchard and garden which produced most of what fed their family. Jean and her mother, Mildred, preserved everything!! Canning and freezing fruit and vegetables that lasted all year! She loved to bake…which Ed loved too!

Jean cherished her family and home, cooking, cleaning, sewing, caring for everyone. She served on the Election Board at Fir grove Elementary while the children were attending there.

She belonged to a women's bowling league earning many badges and trophies too. Jean especially loved the many camping/hunting trips that her and Ed took over the years. The family has many memories of Central Oregon camping when they owned property in Ponderosa Pines and the hunting out at Fort Rock.

In 1993 Jean and Ed moved to Brownsville, OR and lived happily for 27 years gardening, attending Brownsville Christian Church and enjoyed gifting baked goods and garden goodies.

When Ed passed in 2020 Jean moved to Bonaventure AL in Albany. She lived there for 5 years with many visits to the coast with Pam and Linda and close to family in Albany to share time together.

Last year Jean made a move to Quail Run AL at the Mennonite Village to a first-floor apartment. She enjoyed watching all the birdies at her window (and sometimes that big squirrel too) She loved working jigsaw puzzles…her and Gary finished 100s in last 5 years! All of the family enjoyed "puzzling" with her.

In the short time at Quail Run, Jean was loved and nurtured by the staff and all commented on her sweet loving nature.

Jean lived a full long life. She loved our Lord and shined His Light. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by many. Jean's life was a rich tapestry woven with the threads of love, spirit, and gentleness. Her passing leaves behind a legacy of warmth and compassion that touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Jean is survived by son, Gary Putman 75, daughters Brenda Carr 80, Linda Jardine 72 and Pam Curl 68, her 11 grandchildren,20 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Ed, sons Richard and Russell, her parents, brother and sister.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 17 at 1pm at the Brownsville Christian Church Fellowship Hall (next to church), 117 N. Main St, Brownsville OR.

Please join us and share in stories and gather in love for a beautiful soul. There will be food and drink to enjoy too.

If you'd like to donate in Jean's honor she requested donations be given to the Brownsville Cemetery or the Brownsville EMT/Fire and Rescue