Imogene (Jean) Delp

Imogene (Jean) Delp passed away peacefully Sunday morning September 20, 2009 in Moses Lake.

Jean was born in Little Rock (Pine Hallow), Arkansas at home on March 27, 1933.

She was the oldest of 7 children, which made her the caregiver and main helper of her family.

Her family moved from Arkansas to Tulsa Oklahoma and then to the Naches Valley by the time she was 12. Because she was the oldest, she had many chores to do. Every morning before she went to school she made her bed, washed dishes, swept the floor and then her family ate breakfast together. Evening chores included cutting and bringing in wood and cooking full meals for the family when was so young she had to stand on a chair to see what she was making.

Jean met Stan Delp at a dance in Yakima. 4 months later they were married. They then began creating a family by having 3 daughters and a son. Jean and Stan celebrated 55 loving and joyous years together and were rarely apart.

Jean was a very loving wife and mother raising her children. She always put her family first, making sure they were well cared for. She lived in the northern Seattle area before her husband’s job took the family to the Connell area. She was a homemaker until after her family was raised. Wanting more adventure, she and Stan began traveling and discovered Desert Hot Springs, California. There in the Caliente Hot Springs RV Park, they found their second home and became friends with people from all over the United States and parts of Canada. Then she and Stan traveled the western United States doing relief work for Imperial Motels. After that, she enjoyed sitting beside Stan while he did long hauled truck driving as she crocheted through 47 states.

Jean crocheted beautiful afghans, scarves, and shawls. She gave them as gifts to many family and friends as lasting memories of her love and amazing talent.

Because of her beautiful smile and fun and caring nature, no person was a stranger to her. She went out of her way to help not just her family but complete strangers. Family was very important to her and she loved the times she spent at our many family gatherings. Jean also felt very fortunate to have her 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren so close. She kept a great toy closet filled with fun for the kids and there were always treats on the kitchen counter waiting for them.

Jean was an awesome cook making all her recipes from memory. She is especially famous in our family for her apple, peach and berry pies, her potato salad, homemade noodles, and the very best homemade ice cream. She was always happy to cook for her family and her kitchen cupboards were always stocked and well prepared.

Jean is survived by her children Cheryl Lampe, Mike Delp (Guy Crockett), and Patty Gallegos. Sisters Rose Wageman, Viola Ellison, and Donna (Roy) Clements. Brothers Willie (Kay) Ellison and Sam (Sharon) Ellison.

Her grandchildren are Jennifer (Craig) Byers, Lisa (Taber Murphy) Evans, Sara (Dustin) Haynes, Melanie (Josh) Stair, Daniel (Amy) Delp, Amanda Gallegos, Benjamin Gallegos, and Jordan Gallegos.

Her great grand children are Kayla Byers, Michael Byers, Jayson Byers, Gavin Haynes, Zeke Haynes, Jasmine Delp, Kennedey Smith, David Delp, and Mollyann Delp. Jean is also survived by numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Stan Delp, young daughter Karen Delp, parents Verna and William Ellison, sister Lula McClure, and son-in-laws Mike Lampe and Ben Gallegos.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation at 1418 Pioneer Way, Moses Lake or by calling them at 509-764-4644.

Jean’s Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, September 24th, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church in Moses Lake at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Arrangements are in the care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory. Please sign the book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.