Jean Elizabeth Charbulak Durkee Emtman, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home on September 8, 2024. Born on March 13, 1935, to Frank and Daisy Charbulak, Jean lived a happy, simple and fulfilling life in Spokane and was loved by many.
Jean was a proud member of Spokane’s “Silver Spurs” dance group from 1947 to 1952. She graduated from North Central High School in 1953 and went on to attend the University of Idaho, where she pledged Pi Beta Phi Sorority. In 1956, Jean married Charles “Bud” Durkee in Sandpoint, Idaho, with whom she shared 40 years of love and devotion until his passing in 1997.
Throughout her career, Jean held various roles that exemplified her dedication and commitment to her community. She worked for Washington Water Power and the Spokane Chamber of Commerce. From 1971 to 1981, she served as the secretary for the Spokane Association of Life Underwriters and was a past president of the Spokane Association of Life Underwriters Auxiliary. Jean also worked at Riverview Retirement Community for 17 years and Heritage Funeral Home for 5 years, retiring in 2002.
Jean was a devoted member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and her faith served as a guiding light throughout her life. She cherished time at the lake cabin at Twin Lakes, Idaho with family and friends. She adored cats, finding comfort in her current cat, “Big Boy,” until her last day. Jean enjoyed cheering on the “Zags” during the winter and loved jigsaw puzzles and playing games. She was in a bunco group for 17 years.
Jean found love again and was married on October 29, 2002 to Robert Roy Emtman and cherished her expanded family for 22 years.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Charles “Bud” Durkee, her sister Eleanor Schinzel and her second husband Robert Roy Emtman, who passed away in June of this year.
She is survived by her children Gregg Durkee and Gwenn Kubik (David), and her beloved grandchildren Kayla Kubik (Bryan Doramus) and Kyle Kubik, along with great-grandchildren, twins Elizabeth and Grant Doramus who were born in April of this year. Jean also leaves behind her nephews Terry Schinzel and Ted Schinzel. Robert’s children, Gary Emtman and Linda Emtman, along with Linda’s children Alicia and Erin Yoshino also remember Jean fondly.
A celebration of life will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 4320 S. Conklin St, Spokane on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church or Hospice of Spokane. The family would like to extend their gratitude to her care providers, Theresa, Christina, and Diane, for their wonderful care.
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