Jean Kern

Jean Kern, age 83, of Pendleton and formerly of La Grande, died June 20, 2011 at a care facility. A graveside service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the Hillcrest East Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Jean was born on December 25, 1927, along with twin sister, Joan, the daughters of Elza and Georgie (Scott) Payne in Teckla, Wyoming. They had three older brothers, Scott, Harry and Jack. The family moved from Wyoming to Chehalis, Washington for a short time and then to Telocaset, Oregon. She attended school at Telocaset and then the family moved to La Grande where she graduated from high school.

Jean always loved horses, especially Arabians. She raised an Arabian stallion and showed him in halter and buggy classes and won numerous ribbons and awards in shows around the Northwest. She was very knowledgeable of all the Arabian horse bloodlines. She married Robert Kern in 1967 and she had three step-children, Jim Kern, Dale Kern and Patricia Johlke. They bread and showed Arabian horses on a small acreage on Owsley Canyon Road, north of La Grande. Jean worked as a seed sampler for Del Monte Corporation for 30 years before retiring in 1985.

Survivors include her brother, Scott Payne of Woodburn; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Joan Wark and brothers, Jack and Harry Payne.

Those who wish may make contribution in her memory to the Blue Mtn. Humane Association in care of Daniels~Knopp, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

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