Katie “Jean” Duckhorn 87, of Westfield Indiana, passed away on January 8, 2014. She was born January 10, 1926, to Horace and Mildred Griffin of Plainview Texas. Jean was raised in a loving home filled with family, hard work and love. She began her career as a telephone operator in Inyokern, California with California Interstate Telephone Company in 1951, retiring from CONTEL in Victorville in 1988 after 36 years of service. In 1993, Jean relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana to be with her daughter, Tomi. This move provided interesting and new opportunities as Tomi moved to work near Tokyo, Japan in 1999 and Jean followed residing there for over five years before returning home to Westfield in 2004. Jean enjoyed traveling in and around Japan, meeting the people of different cultures and living life to the fullest.
Jean was preceded in death by her Husband, Kenneth Duckhorn; Mother and Father, Mildred Yeager and Horace Griffin; Step-Father, Glen Yeager; Brother, Jim Griffin; Sister, Joy Heath; and Brother, Sonny Griffin. Jean is survived by her Daughter, Thomasa “Tomi” Ford of Westfield, Indiana; her Sister, Alice Hammonds of California City, California; numerous Nieces and Nephews whom she loved very much, and her beloved dog Murphy. Interment will be private and held at a later date in California. Her family requests that in Jean’s memory her friends remember all the good times they had with Jean and celebrate her life. Friends may share their memories on her online guest book at www.indianafuneralcare.com.
Tomi says
I miss you Momma!
Pam Wood says
Jean, who I called Mom, was the sweetest person in the world. We spent every Thanksgiving together and enjoyed being together. She will be missed. I will be there for Tomi so Jean can enjoy her time in Heaven. Love you and have fun up in Heaven.
Sue & Steve Muzzy says
We met Jean and Tomi when we worked in Japan. It was a pleasure knowing her and I know that she’ll be missed by all. May she rest in peace.
Elizabeth says
Jean.. A Beautiful woman inside and out.. She was always so kind to my brother my mother and I. I love her for that. I have yummy food memories and swimming pool memories from back when I lived in Apple Valley.. Sending Love and ((Huggs)) to Heaven..
ALICE HMMONDS says
I MISS YOU SISTER. I MISS OUR DAILY TALKS. YOU HAVE GONE AND LEFT ME. I NO LONGER HAVE ANY SISTERS OF BROTHERS HERE ON EARTH TO HUG MY NECK AND CALL ME BABY SISTER. I DO HAVE 2 SON’S AND A VERY WONDERFUL DAUGHTER, WHO IS SEEING ME THROUGH THIS AND THROUGH CANCER. SO I AM BLESSED. SO MANY HURTFUL PEOPLE ON THIS EARTH. I NEVER KNEW HOW MANY UNTIL NOW. WHIS YOU WERE HERE WITH ME TO MOUTH THEM TO DEATH. BUT YOU HAVE GONE TO A BETTER PLACE AND I WISH I COULD HAVE GONE WITH YOU AND GARY. I MISS YOU SO. IN CASE YOU DON’Y KNOW THIS IS BABY SISTER WHO DON’T DRINK. TELL ALL OUR LOVED ONE’S HELL-O AND HUG THEM FOR ME.
Bob Falkenstein says
I have to agree with Pam. Jean and Tomi took me in as family when I was a young soldier stationed at Ft Irwin. Jean became like a second mom to me and friendship that will always be there. I know our paths did not cross so much in the later years but you both have always been in my heart and on my mind. I was glad to have known you and am a better person for it.
ALICE HAMMONDS says
I miss you too Big Sister. I miss Gary also. But to lose you both two weeks apart was just about more than I could handle. But am okay. Just know how much I Loved you and Gary. Your Baby Sister.(The one who don’t drink LOL) Private Joke!!! love You Forever Alice, Babe, Chick& Baby Sister. Also Mom,Mama
Tomi says
it has been a long ten months and still no relief from you being gone. I miss you so much!