Jean Frances Tjards

Jean Frances (Froning) Tjards, daughter of William and Frances (Schlechter) Froning was born in Polo, South Dakota on July 27, 1931.

She passed away June 9th, 2018 at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Washington at the age of 86 surrounded by her family.

Jean grew up on the family farm in Polo with her five sisters and two brothers. Her graduating class had 6 students. After graduation, she worked at Hess Motor Company in Pipestone, Minnesota where she met Dean. Jean then moved to California in the summer of 1952 to live with her sister. Dean realized she was the one and drove out west to propose. They were united in marriage on April 23, 1955 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Pipestone.

Dean’s continued career with the JC Penney Company involved many moves for the family. Jean’s greatest joy was being able to stay home and care for her seven children. In 1972, the family settled in Shenandoah, Iowa for 23 years. While in Shenandoah, Jean began her career as a certified nursing assistant and loved being able to watch her children play sports, graduate high school, and start their own families. Dean and Jean then moved to Spokane, Washington in 1990 where Jean worked as a CNA at a local assisted living facility and retired at the age of 80. Jean loved cooking for her family and was known for her peanut clusters, banana bread, potato salad, Thanksgiving dressing, and “Frickin Chicken.” Jean’s greatest joy was her children, the “Lucky 7,” and she always looked forward to the family reunions, surprise parties, and attending every high school graduation of her 19 grandchildren.

Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her work ethic, strength, and love for her family were a shining example for all her family and friends. She truly had a heart of gold and always put her family first saying very often “I’m fine” when asked about herself.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Dean, her parents, sisters Irene, Vi, Marie and brothers Al and Eddie.

Jean is survived by her children Joe (Jacque) Tjards of Spokane, Deb (Randy) Wenstrand of Essex, IA, Diane (Mike) Laughlin of Enterprise, OR, Jerry (Shari) Tjards of Omaha, NE, Denise (Tom) Chesher of Liberty Lake, WA, Jack (Carolyn) Tjards of Naperville, IL, Darcy Tjards of Liberty Lake, WA, nineteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Two sisters Evelyn and Bernie.

Memorial contributions in Jean’s name can be sent to the Providence Health Care Foundation – Holy Family Hospital, 101 W. 8th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204.