Jean Robbins, 84
Jean Robbins, 84, of Palm Springs, Calif., and Kalispell passed away suddenly Dec. 9, 2007, as a result of a traffic accident. She was born Aug. 14, 1923, in Wellman, Iowa, to William and Mabelle Wagamon.
Jean was active in many local groups and organizations in Palm Springs after locating there in 2001. Organizations include Widows and Widowers (WOW), League of Women Voters, Meeting and Industry Ladies Organization (MILO), Palm Springs Desert Museum, Democratic Women of the Desert, and PaIm Springs Women's Club. She also served as secretary for Safari Park Homeowner's Association.
Before making Palm Springs her home, Jean was particularly active as a meeting organizer for various local travel agencies in Kalispell, her beloved home! She continued that endeavor in Palm Springs for several years, even though she was "retired." She was a born traveler, and her work and activities plus a second career reflected it. One didn't dare try to stop in and visit Jean unannounced, because chances were very good she would be traveling or playing golf.
Jean graduated from the University of Iowa with degrees in nursing and later teaching. She taught elementary school at Hedges and specialized in mathematics and the sciences. She loved teaching and her students loved her.
Jean and her family moved to Kalispell in 1961, and it was love at first sight. Her many activities included: founding and being a charter member of the Glacier Pilot Club, American Association of University Women, Soroptimist, board member of Buffalo Hills Golf Course, Glacier Visitors and Travel Bureau, and a founding member of The Governor's Cup.
She was an avid golfer, loved to snow ski and was a voracious reader. Most days she could be found on the links or swapping golf stories with friends at the 19th hole.
Jean married Otis Robins Jr. in 1947.
She is survived by her brother, Bill Wagamon and Mary, of Wellman, Iowa; her two sons, Hal Robbins and Julie of Helena, and Ken Robbins and Teresa Brown of Atlanta; her daughter and traveling partner, Nancy "Robi" Railey, of Spokane and Palm Springs; grandchildren, Debbie Camarda, Michelle Macy and Heidi Gudgel, all of Spokane; and great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Camarda, Alexandria Gudgel and Jaryn Macy.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Otis Robbins Jr., in 1994; and her great-grandson, Zackary Camarda, 8, in 2004.
Jean was a much loved and respected woman. She will be greatly missed by her friends and especially her family.
"Rest well, Mommy, I love you!" - Robi
If anyone cares to make a donation in Jean's name, the family suggests the Glacier Pilot Club.
There will be a celebration of Jean's life in August, to be announced at a later date.