Elaine "Jean" Hallmark Russell

Elaine "Jean" Hallmark, age 93, passed away Wednesday, August 17 2011 at the Wallowa Valley Care Center.

Jean, as she was known to her family and friends, was born March 5, 1918 to Harlan and Esther Trueblood Koger on the family homestead at lower Cove. There she grew up with her older brother Lavon and younger sister Betty.

She attended school in Cove, graduating in the class of 1936. Then on July 19 of the same year, she married her high school sweetheart Eldred Hallmark. He preceded her in death on January 15, 1973.

Jean centered her life around her home and her family. She enjoyed being a homemaker, gardener and mother to her two children, Elton and Lois.

Later in life she met and married Everett Russell on August 29, 1980. They enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. He preceded her in death on March 3, 1995. One of her most memorable trips was an Alaskan Cruise that she went on with her son Elton. She was blessed with 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren in which she loved to spend time with and surrounded herself with their pictures and treasured their phone calls and gifts.

Jean spent her last years at the Wallowa Valley Care Center where she made many friends and was lovingly cared for by the staff.

She is survived by her son Elton Hallmark and his wife Joanne of Eugene, daughter Lois Huntington and her husband Ken of Enterprise; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

A family graveside service is planned at the Cove Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center in La Grande.

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