Obituary of Jean Marie Wheat

Jean Marie Wheat passed away July 17, 2021, in Olympia, Washington, her home of 40 years.  She was born February 1, 1960, to Marvin and Shirley Denney in New Brighton, Minnesota, and grew up in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (1962-1981).

Jean attended Park Center High School in Brooklyn Park (1974-1978).  She married William John Wheat on June 15, 1985, in Olympia. Professionally, she worked as an administrative assistant at IRECO (1986-1990), Manager of IS/Administrative Support and Contracts for Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (1991-2012), and administrative assistant at Department of Health Nursing Commission (2014-2017).

Jean was caring, kind, generous, and a friend/mother to everyone.  She loved bowling, riding motorcycles and golfing with her husband; playing with her grandchildren; music; singing; dancing; creative floral arrangements; and interior design.

She is survived by her husband, William John Wheat; son, Jason Russell Shandley (Sarah Shandley); daughters, Margaret Ann Chastain (Andrew Chastain), and Jennifer Marie Howard (Gary Howard); 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Anita Schaefer; sisters-in-law, Debra Klein, Dee Wheat, and Jodi Wheat; brothers-in-law, Jim Wheat and Joe Wheat; and mother-in-law, Sharon Wheat.  

She was predeceased by her father, Marvin Russell Denney; mother, Shirley Ann Betts; and father-in-law, William Winfield Wheat.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 15, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.