Jean Kathleen Lamb, 93, of Strawberry, Arizona, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. Jean was born on July 8, 1923, in Minerva, Ohio to Ruth (Hawkins) and Walter Wright. She married Sherman Eugene Unkefer II on January 1, 1942, and later gave birth to three children - Sherman, JoDene, and Mary. Jean moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1952 and spent most of her time raising her family, helping her husband run their businesses and helping her daughter, JoDene, start and run Little Lamb Montessori. Jean later relocated to Strawberry, Arizona where she loved working around her cabin, attending church at Strawberry Chapel in the Pines, and volunteering as a docent for the Strawberry School House. On October 17, 1979, she married Ralph Lamb. Jean spent the last few years of her life surrounded by friends, loved ones and caretakers at Moore Assisted Living in Amarillo, Texas. Jean's infectious smile and love for life impacted all of those she touched. She never missed an opportunity to sing a song, recite scripture, or simply give a hug and a kiss. She is survived by a son Sherman Unkefer, IIl (Laundy) of Saratoga Springs, Utah, two daughters JoDene Tryon (Mike) of Scottsdale, and Mary Alt (Rod) of Phoenix, grandchildren Sherman Unkefer IV (Dorina), Andrew Unkefer (Amy), Ben Unkefer, Erin Ross (Jason), Harley Davidson (Jane), Mark Davidson (Cindy), John Davidson, Sean Davidson, Jennifer Martin (Kelsey), Jacquelyn Esser (Joe), Tom Tryon, Kara Ford, Autumn Abbruzzi (JC), nieces and nephews Richard McClellan (Jennie), Walt McClellan (Laurie) and Carole Unkefer as well as 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Jean was preceded in death by her parents Ruth (Hawkins) and Walter Wright, sister Mae McClellan, husbands Sherman Unkefer II, Ralph Lamb, niece Connie McClellan, daughter-in-law Sharon Unkefer, and her loving grandson John Tryon. A graveside service celebrating Jean's life will be held on July 8th at 11:00 a.m. (MST) at Pine Cemetery, 3710 Cemetery Road, Pine, Arizona. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jean's name to Amarillo Children's Home, 3400 Bowie St, Amarillo, TX 79109; Baptist Community Services of Amarillo, 1400 S Van Buren St, Amarillo, TX 79101; or Strawberry Chapel in the Pines, 8579 Fossil Creek Rd, Payson, AZ 85541. Sign the online guestbook at www.boxwellbrothers.com.
Published in The Arizona Republic on July 6, 2017