Claire W. (Jones) Zimmerman

Claire was born and raised in Enfield, Conneticut, moving to Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Claire was the oldest of 5 children born to the late Adddison L. Jones and Clara B. Jones. She met the Love of her life during WW2 at Westover Air Field, They later married and had 2 daughters. They spent much of their early marriage going from one end of the country to the other end of the country. Their oldest daughter was born on the sunny tropical island of Bermuda. The youngest was born during a tour at McChord Air base, Tacoma, WA.

While her children were in school, she spent time working for school lunch in Clinton, Utah. During those years Claire and Herman learned to Square dance. They continued dancing together for many years. They traveled to many National events as members of the Ruff and Ruffles square dance club. Those years were happy as they met new people and visited exciting places. Claire also enjoyed Golfing, camping, hiking and loved to travel to new places. She spent many years trying to best her brothers and sister's golf scores.

In 1990 Claire became a grandmother to her first 2 granddaughters followed by one more in 2000. She was never happier than when she was spending time with her grandchildren. In 2011 she became a great grandmother with the birth of her first Great Grandson. Claire taught the girls to cook and serve tea or have a wonderful doll party. Grandma taught them some very important life lessons when she was with the girls, most of all how to have fun.

Claire moved to Desert Aire in the early 90's after the family home in Longview was destroyed by a mudslide. While living in Desert Aire she was active in the Senior Center playing bunco and dominos. She also volunteered at the Grant County Sheriff's substation. She also played golf with ladies golf club. A few people will always remember her peddling her bike around Desert Aire smiling and visiting with anyone she saw. She was also a member of the Grace Lutheran Church.

Claire is survived by her daughter's Patricia Williams (Gary) and Janet Eckenberg (Jim), granddaughters Kaitlin Foster (Joe) Elizabeth and Shelby Eckenberg, and Great Grandson Blake Foster.

Claire was preceded in death by her parent's, husband, SMSGT Herman E. Zimmerman USAF retired, 2 brothers Dell and Rodger Jones and 1 son.

Services will be held on November 26, 2011 2:00 PM at the Grace Lutheran Church, Hwy 243, Mattawa, WA. Donations can be made in Claire's name to the American Cancer Society.

Claire passed away peacefully with her family at her side. She had survived 40 years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.