1917
2012
Jean Mary Eskridge
August 23, 1917 - May 1, 2012
Jean was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to William Squire Loomis and Mary Anacletis Kirchoff Loomis. Jean is predeceased by her husband, Calvin Valjean Eskridge, her long time companion, Howard Freeman, her daughter, Georgie, and her parents, and sisters, Fran White and Billie Blanton.
Jean is survived by her sons, David Walter (Nancy), Jay (Ellen), Jack (Carolann), Valjean Eskridge (Cathy), and her daughter, Suzanne Mollenhauer (Brad), 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. As a young girl, Jean traveled with her family from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Los Angeles, back and forth at least 3 times from 1923 to 1933, looking for work during the depression era. As a very young girl, Jean would dance at fairs and carnivals for money tossed from the crowd to help with the family income.
Jean owned and operated Jean's Dance Studio in Spring Valley from 1948 to 1987. Her daughter, Suzanne, took over the studio, but Jean kept teaching part time for 8 more years. Jean stayed very active all of her life. She was a lifetime member of NADA (National Association of Dance Artists), past president of the Spring Valley Women's Club, a charter member of the Spring Valley Historical Society, a past board member of the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Ramona Ramblers. Jean loved her active life in Ramona. She would attend church & Bible study 2 to 3 times a week, feed the ducks after Sunday church, and go to lunch at the Ramona Senior Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. She played canasta on Monday & Friday afternoons with her pals at the Ramona Terrace Estates clubhouse and attended the Friday evening dances at the clubhouse, dancing every dance. Jean started a dance group in the mid 1990s at the clubhouse, which was made up of the lady residents. The gals would entertain the other residents on a regular basis. She loved watching old movies and Judge Judy. Jean loved everyone and everyone loved her. She never had a bad thing to say about anything or anyone. She was the most positive person on this earth and never complained. She would always end her letters with; "I FEEL GOOD, EAT GOOD, SLEEP GOOD, AND I LOOK GOOD".
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Conrad Lemon Grove Mortuary. Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 – 12 noon at Greenwood Memorial Park Garden Chapel (I-805 and Imperial Avenue – 4300 Imperial Avenue – San Diego, CA 92113). Entombment will follow the service in Greenwood Bible Mausoleum.
Memorials in Jean's name may be made to the Ramona Senior Center - 434 Aqua Lane - Ramona, CA 92065 (760-789-0440), where Jean enjoyed meeting up with friends and of course Dancing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 12, 2012
Laurie walter
Grandma Jean wish I had got to know you better had a very sort stay but has some fun time now you in a better please .
June 9, 2012
Josephine Marcellais
You left a positive impression on so many people... Thanks! Now your relaxing and playing a hand with your buddies in heaven tonight.RIP Grandma Jean Eskridge you are Dancing with the Angels!
Your Grand Daughter
Jody Marcellais
June 8, 2012
Debi Tachiquin-Nieto
I attended school with her daughter Suzanne and I would go with my friend Kim Lambert to her dance classes at Jean's dance studio in Spring Valley, CA. I enjoyed watching Jean teach my friend ballet and jazz steps. She was the best.
June 5, 2012
Mickey (Dougherty) Carpenter
Goodbye may seem forever
Farewell is like the end
But in my heart is a memory
And there you'll always be!
Suzanne I will never forget all the years we had growing up in the studio with "Mom". You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers always.
May 11, 2012
Val and all the family. Sooo sorry to hear this sad news. All of you, take care of your self and each other during this difficult time...Suz Trolinger
May 10, 2012
Marilyn Winger
Dear Eskridge Family,
My family has many fond memories of Jean. In the early 1960's my two girls Patty and Rose took dance lessons as well as my two sisters Melinda and Marla. Jean was a wonderful dance teacher. My family loved taking dance lessons from Jean
May 9, 2012
Donalee (Lewis) Gonzales
The world lost a little bit of sunshine. Jean was a very special, very loved lady. Two generations of women in my family have learned to dance under the instruction of Jean and Suzanne. My daughter will make that 3 generations in a few short years. Such wonderful memories. I hope your memories of happier times will bring you comfort. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
May 9, 2012
I learned so much for Jean- joy of dance, confidence, team work & pride.
Thanks Jean- keep on dancing ;D
Monique--Miss Spring Valley 1981
May 8, 2012
Lori Snyder
It has been such a joy to see Jean on Sunday mornings,over the years. To give her hugs and visit with her. She always had such a beautiful smile and a warm word of welcome when my husband and I came in. I will miss her sweet and gentle presence but know that she is at home with the Lord. My thoughts and prayers to all her family and friends who will miss her so much.
May 8, 2012
Margaret (Lauer) Scheib
Susanne, my heart goes out to your family, during this sad time. Your mom will definitely be missed in the community of Ramona. I took tap dance lessons from your mom 40+ yrs ago, I sooo remember the famous candy bucket that she would pass out to us kids. :-)
May 8, 2012
Jean's passion for dancing and life was passed on to her children. I remember asking Val how he learned to dance so well--he could have closed his eyes and known those steps. He said he and his siblings learned from the best...their mom. Her legacy touched so many in positive ways. Loving thoughts to Jean's family as you go through this difficult time.
Warmly,
Anne Sorenson
Dad (Al) and his wife Ann also send their condolences and prayers.
May 8, 2012
julie peters
I had only known Jean for a short time but long enough to see her beautiful soul! I'm Julie the Driver from the Senior Center to Santa Ysabel Casino every other Wednesday! It was truly a blessing to have crossed paths with Jean and her Son that would always accompany her on these trips. She always remembered my name and always told me how beautiful my long blonde hair was as she ran her hands across my hair! One Sweet/Special Lady! Jean, you will be missed! Hugs!
May 8, 2012
My fondest memories of Jean was as early as 2 years old, back in the late '50's. She was my first dance instructor and her inspiration for the love of dance has followed me throughout my life. My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. Jean was a very special woman. L. Brown (Spring Valley, CA)
May 8, 2012
Michelle Mollenhauer
Jean was such a wonderful addition to our Thanksgivings and Christmas celebrations! She always had the kindest things to say and I can never recall anything negative leave her lips! She used to tell me I had such a beautiful smile and pretty eye's and I would say, "thank you", while wondering if she could actually see them. She has a beautiful heart and I know she is dancing with all of her loved ones that she had to say goodbye to from the past! She is probably teaching classes in heaven right now as I am writing this! God bless you Jean and I look forward to seeing you again someday in heaven! She will be missed greatly by many but received with open arms in the heavens above!
May 8, 2012
Jeanette Ludwig
Dearest Suzanne and Family,
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your Mom. I met your Mom a few times, and what a wonderful, energetic, smiling loving woman who loved to dance. Our hearts are heavy thinking of you and your family Suzanne. I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet your Mom and because you and I played fast pitch softball together, we became good friends back then. Kevin and I even got to see your Mom and you dance at the Del Mar Fair.
We love you, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Kevin and Jeanette Ludwig
May 8, 2012
M, M, A, Tupper
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We hope that wonderful memories fill your hearts with happiness during this time of grief.
Mickeal, Michelle, & Anais Tupper
May 7, 2012
James Eskridge
Grandma Jean, I Love you so much!!! I'll miss you so so so much on earth!!! I'll miss all the the wonderful times we had!!! I'll miss calling you too see how your day was!!! I know your looking down on us!!! You where the most beautiful person to talk to!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! My eyes w''ont stop war
tering!!! I miss you so much!!! LOVE ALWAYS AND FOREVER, Your Grand Son, James Joseph Eskridge I can't express how i feel, The loss of you in our lives is so great , The love we feel for you is is never ending. We will see you again in heaven. Love always and forever, Georgia Tracy Eskridge
May 7, 2012
James Eskridge
Grandma Jean, I Love you so much!!! I'll miss you so so so much on earth!!! I'll miss all the the wonderful times we had!!! I'll miss calling you too see how your day was!!! I know your looking down on us!!! You where the most beautiful person to talk to!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! My eyes w''ont stop war
tering!!! I miss you so much!!! LOVE ALWAYS AND FOREVER, Your Grand Son, James Joseph Eskridge I can't express how i feel, The loss of you in our lives is so great , The love we feel for you is is never ending. We will see you again in heaven. Love always and forever, Georgia Tracy Eskridge
May 7, 2012
Allan Wake
May 7, 2012
Allan Wake
A group of us in the band The Rhythm Rascals all took dance lessons form Jean in the early 1960s. It was fun, we learned some dance moves, Jean was lively and she taught us guys how to act polite in the company of young ladies. I'm so sorry about this tragic news.
May 7, 2012
Frankie Bland
Dear Eskridge family, I have loved Jean since I was a girl learning dance from her and then my children learned from her, too. She was a friend of my childhood family for many years, extending to my adult family.
Frankie and Don Bland
May 7, 2012
Jacque McKibben
I will always remember Jean as the woman who taught generations of young people self-confidence through dance. She is one of the women who helped me become the woman I am today. Jacque Hamilton McKibben
May 7, 2012
shawna russo
Sending love to you and your family, Suzanne.
~Shawna Russo
May 7, 2012
Mickey Miller
I will never forget all the fun we had taking dance lessons from Jean. She was a big part of my and my sister's childhood. Dancing at the Del Mar Fair was always the highlight of our summer. God has a special place for Jean in heaven!
May 6, 2012
Janet and Steve Coover
Our hearts go out to Jean's family and friends. What a beautiful legacy she left.
May 6, 2012
Della Hawthorne
Miss Jean was a shining light . My heart goes out to her family. I will forever have fond memories of my daughter learning to dance with Miss Jean as he guide
May 6, 2012
Della Hawthorne
She was a beautiful person inside and out. Her inner light was an inspiration to all. She will be missed.
I know she is in Gods hands and dancing on the clouds with the angels.
May 6, 2012
Melinda Moore
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Eskridge family. I have very wonderful memories of tap dance classes with Jean in the early 60s, etc. She has been an inspiration to those whose lives have been touched by her. May she rest in peace...Melinda Moore
May 5, 2012
Fayrene Parrish
Fayrene and Ted Parrish: Jean raised me when her sister Fern Wright (my mother) , passed away. Her positive attitude has always been my guidestone. I know she's dancing with the angels.
May 4, 2012
Ellen Leo
We share in the loss of Jean. She was an inspiration to us. It was so beautiful to see her smile and watch her dance. We have very fond memories of her. Our thoughts and prayers are going up for her and your family and all who knew her. We are thankful to have known her and to have been a part of the Jean's Dance Studio family. May her legacy live on. God Bless.
Love,
Leo and LeBlanc family
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