Jessie McNeely, 96, died Sept. 16, 2006 at her home in Coupeville with both of her daughters at her side. She was born March 12, 1910 in Springfield, Missouri to Charles and Ethel Wasner.

At the age of two Jessie moved to First Hill in Seattle with her parents. She attended Seattle area public schools, later moved to Juanita and graduated from Juanita High School in 1927 as the class valedictorian.

Jessie married Donald Grant McNeely in 1931. They lived in Idaho, Montana, Victoria, B.C. and Walla Walla before settling back in the Seattle area when Don retired from the Immigration Service in 1965.

Jessie divided her time between Arizona and Whidbey Island after her husband died in 1987 and moved to Whidbey permanently about six years ago to be with her daughter.

Jessie loved both square and round dancing, playing cards and attending the ball games of her great-grandchildren.

Jessie is survived by her daughters Norene Hilden of Coupeville and Dawn Scott and husband Ken of Scio, Ore., along with five grandchildren, with their spouses and 12 great-grandchildren. They will all miss her cheerful presence.

A private family inurnment was held and will be followed by a private memorial service to be scheduled later.

Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.