Jean L. Hoover Robison

GIG HARBOR, Wash. ? Jean L. Hoover Robison, 92, of Gig Harbor, Wash., died Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, Wash., after a brief illness.

Memorial contributions may be made to Old Dog Haven and sent to Patsi Robison, 3316 65th Avenue Court N.W., Gig Harbor, WA 98335.

Mrs. Robison was born Nov. 30, 1918, in Brighton. She married Charles ?Chick? Robison in 1935. The couple later divorced.

She grew up on the banks of the Skunk River in a time with no electricity, cars or indoor plumbing. She was a member of large family that was able to thrive in the Great Depression by growing their own produce and meat. She and her siblings helped their family through farm labor, housework and helping with the younger children. She was a Bluebird Troup leader while her daughters were growing up. She became the first female realtor in Washington. She and her husband developed the Robison Addition, a popular housing development in Washington. Later she moved to the Phoenix area where she managed several rental properties. Eventually she managed the reception desk at the Iowa State University Memorial Union. After her retirement she lived in Kingwood, Texas. In 1999 she moved to the Pacific Northwest. There she met her partner, Mickey Donnan, and together the two spent eight years traveling by boat or by car. The couple also competed in Wii bowling tournaments. She was a skilled horse-trainer and loved animals throughout her life. She loved political debates and was known to stand up for the underdog and progressive issues. She enjoyed music and country line dancing, Wii bowling, crosswords, analyzing food, visiting with friends and spending time with family.

Surviving are her partner, Mickey Donnan of Gig Harbor, Wash.; three daughters, Sandra Kos and husband Frank of The Woodlands, Texas, Pamela Krotz and husband Robert of Gig Harbor, Wash., and Patsi Robison of Gig Harbor, Wash.; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert, of Missouri.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Janice Rogge; one infant son; one infant great-grandson; her parents; three brothers; and two sisters.