Jean Fleming

Jean Fleming, 78, was born April 10, 1945, in Wilmington, N.C. She was the daughter of Jess T. Barksdale and Charlene A. (Hughes) Barksdale. 

Her family lived in New Mexico, but her father was stationed in Wilmington during WWII which caused her to be born there. After the war, the family returned to their home in New Mexico. She spent her early years in New Mexico and then, in about 1950, the family moved to Oregon where she attended grade school. When her father accepted a position with the Grant County PUD the family moved again, this time to Washington in 1959. Jean would live in Eastern Washington for the remainder of her life. 

The family originally lived in Ephrata but moved to the Wanapum Dam housing project in the early '60s. She and her sister were bussed to Quincy to attend high school, where she graduated in 1963. 

She married Charlie Keith in 1966 and they had one daughter, Deborah Lou Keith, Jean's only child. The couple divorced and many years later she married Mike Fleming and they too divorced.

She lived in Othello, Moses Lake and Ephrata during her life. She was employed in several local businesses in both Moses Lake and Ephrata. She worked at both IGA and Safeway stores, worked many years at Ross Automotive and most recently retired from her job at National Frozen Food Company.

Jean was an animal lover, and, in her house, you would always find her current cat companions. Later in life, dogs were added to the menagerie. Until her health declined, she was visible in her community making many dear friends along the way. Her lifelong friend and roommate Mardi Carroll was her most enduring friendship that spanned many decades.

Jean is survived by her daughter Deborah Lou Keith, her sister Margie Lou (Barksdale) Leystra, her three grandchildren – Kameron Firouzi, Kayleeanna (Firouzi) Williams and Kristina (Firouzi) Hallberg and seven great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by many nieces and nephews.

We unexpectedly lost Jean on Feb. 14, 2024. We are immensely saddened by the tragic circumstances of her untimely death. Her absence will be deeply felt by her many friends and family who loved her.

A Celebration of Life for both Jean Fleming and Mardi Carroll is set for April 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center. Food will be provided. Please come to share in fellowship and memories to honor these two remarkable women.

Condolences for Jean can be sent to: Deborah Keith, 1268 East 11000 South, Sandy, UT 84094.

Donations in memory can be sent to: American Legion Art Semro Post 28, 276 8th Ave. NW, Ephrata, WA 98823.