Wilma Jean (Wiles) Blackwell

Sept. 26, 1928 – June 19, 2018
No public services will be held for Wilma Jean Blackwell, 89, of North Bend. A private graveside committal was held at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Coos Bay.

Wilma was born Sept. 26, 1928 in Chanute, Kan., to Roland and Eva Wiles. She passed away peacefully June 19, 2018 in Coos Bay.

Wilma was the oldest of four children, and while growing up helped on her family’s farm. She graduated at the age of 17, obtaining a teaching certificate, and began teaching in a small rural school. She returned to Chanute and married Bob Blackwell December 1947. Bob had returned from serving in the U.S. Navy following World War II. They made a cross country move to Oregon while Jean was pregnant with their first child, Stan, who was later born in Newberg. Their daughter, Gayla, was born in San Francisco, Calif., while Bob was stationed there during the Korean War. They eventually moved to Eugene, where their last two children, Nancy and Greg, were born. It was there that they raised their family and attended Berean Baptist Church.

Bob and Jean moved in 1969 to North Bend, where they worked and lived until Bob’s death in 1989. Jean was a homemaker, but also worked as a store manager for Hi Fashion Fabrics in North Bend, while Bob worked as a car salesman in Coos Bay. They later opened and operated their own business, Car Alley and Polish Rentals in Coos Bay, until Bob was diagnosed with cancer. She lived most of her time in their home in Coos Bay, except for a few years in Creswell. She moved approximately six years ago to Inland Point Assisted Care in North Bend. She considered it to be her home and had made some dear friends while living there. The last year and a half she was under the care of South Coast Hospice. She enjoyed when the hospice nurse would bring his ukulele and play hymns for her. Her smile could light up a room.

Jean loved to fish, play the piano, sew, crochet, quilt, craftwork, puzzles and go to garage sales. She also loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Jean is survived by a sister, Marjorie Goad of Eugene; brother, Fred Wiles of Gilchrist; son, Stan Blackwell and his wife, Robin of Coos Bay; daughter, Gayla Esch and her husband, Al of Eugene; daughter, Nancy Haun and her husband, Roger of Fort Mill, S.C.; son, Greg Blackwell and his wife, Anita of North Bend; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Jean was preceded in death by a sister, Opal Beardon in 1970; her parents in 1979 and 1980; and her husband, Bob in 1989.

Jean was laid to rest next to her husband at Sunset Memorial Park. She stated several times recently that she was going to see her Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and now she has.

Memorial contributions may be made to Billy Graham Evangelical Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 or to South Coast Hospice, 1620 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

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