Obituary of Valjeanne Sawhill

We are heartbroken to announce the death of Valjeane Louise Sawhill. She passed on Friday, November 17, 2023 at the age of 69 in Olympia, Washington. Jeannie is survived by her husband Dennis Sawhill; daughters Christina Delphini and Julyjo Sawhill; her grandchildren Kaivye (8), Kataleya (7), Kyluna (4) and Khavanni (2); her siblings Douglas Kottke Jr, Tim Kottke, Tom Kottke, Judy Boettcher; and her uncle Irwin Weimer. Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Douglas Kottke Sr. Jeannie loved her family beyond measure; the grandkids specifically meant everything to her. She lived an outdoor life full of camping, traveling, beach walking, and fishing with her dad. As a career caretaker, Jeannie started working in hospitals at the age of 14 in Kirkland, went on to become a CNA and phlebotomist, eventually moving to home care with CCS and KWA in Shelton. Born in Wichita, Jeannie always claimed Kansas as hers, and still has a number of relatives living there. She moved with her parents to Kirkland, Washington at 2 years of age, going on to attend Lake Washington High School (1972 Graduate), and Bellevue Community College. She eloped to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho with Dennis on October 27, 1980, celebrated the birth of Christina in 1982 in Redmond, then moved to Federal Way and was ecstatic to birth Julyjo in 1992. Moving to Shelton in to be nextdoor to her parents fulfilled Jeannie’s lifelong dream. She was able to care for them as well as raise her family. Jeannie had a passion for garage sales and craft fairs, making sure to “do the Puyallup” each September. She was an avid reader, loved doing wordsearch puzzles and coloring. Many will remember Jeannie helping her many girl scout troops sell cookies and leading them in campfire cooking, crafts and song. She especially enjoyed taking girl scouts on various adventures in the sun and snow! Jeannie’s Celebration of Life is to be held at a log cabin lodge on the Puget Sound on December 17, 2023. Memories can be shared at https://mccombwagner.com/tribute/details/5218/Valjeanne-Sawhill/obituary.html#tribute-start We will love her forever and miss her always.