Jeanne (Vangrootel) Schrag

Jeanne (Vangrootel) Schrag

Jan. 9, 1922- Sept. 6, 2024

Jeanne (Vangrootel) Schrag, a loving mother, devoted grandmother, and a friend to many, passed away peacefully on Sept. 6, 2024, at the Community Pride (formerly Rose Garden) assisted living center in Ritzville, Wash. She was 102 years old.

Jeanne was born on Jan. 9, 1922, in Liège, Belgium, to Pauline and Pierre Vangrootel. Her life was marked by the love and commitment she had for her family, and her community. In 1945, she met her one true love, Philip Schrag, while he was stationed in Belgium with the US Army Medical Corps during World War II. Despite the language barrier, they fell in love and maintained their long-distance romance through love letters translated with French/English dictionaries for almost two years until Jeanne arrived in the States in 1947. Jeanne and Phil were married on Oct. 2, 1947, in Seattle, Wash. and resided in Everett, Wash.

In 1948 Jeanne and Phil moved to the family farm west of Ritzville where they raised their three sons, Michael, Gary (deceased), and Gregory. Tragically, Jeanne was widowed at the young age of 42 and never remarried. She courageously raised her young children on her own and managed the family wheat farm with great strength and determination.

In addition to her devotion to her family and her work on the farm, Jeanne had a passion for sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, and baking. She loved animals, particularly dogs, and took great pleasure in feeding the quail that resided near her home. Jeanne crocheted many large, beautiful afghans which she donated to Pet Rescue and a number of different civic organizations and churches.

Jeanne is survived by her two sons, Michael (Linda) Schrag of Ritzville, Wash; Gregory (Janquelin) Schrag of Palm Springs, Calif; her daughter-in-law Janet Schrag (wife of son Gary (deceased)) of Walla Walla, Wash; her grandchildren Eric, Kimberly, Brittney, and Kevin; as well as three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Philip in 1964 and son Gary in 2002.

Jeanne's legacy of love, resilience, and generosity, as well as her unwavering strength, kind heart, and love of family will always be remembered. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

At her request, no public service will be held. Jeanne will be interred at Menno Mennonite Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jeanne's name be made to Adams County Pet Rescue, 1961 W Bench Rd, Othello, WA 99344.