Jennifer Jo Coon

Jennifer Jo (J.J.) Coon, age 47, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 7, 2018.

Jennifer was born on January 23, 1971 to Bill and Hazel Allenbaugh in Coeur d'Alene, ID. Bill and Hazel owned Eddyville Lodge on Lake Coeur d'Alene at the time, but then sold the lodge and Bill got a job as a ranch foreman for the Pring Cattle and Hay Ranch near Harrison, ID. The family moved once more before returning to Ellensburg, WA, which J.J. lived the majority of her childhood and adult life. J.J. attended the Ellensburg schools and after high school she met her first husband Mark J. Butcher. They were married May 7, 1990. Mark joined the military during the time of Operation Desert Storm. They had a daughter Sadie Butcher on January 10, 1992. The young family moved to Newport News, Virginia where Mark was stationed. After a few years, Mark and J.J. decided to go their separate ways.

The "Road of Life" took J.J. on some hard turns and through some deep valleys, but thankfully she was able to straighten that road and made new beginnings. When J.J. returned home to Ellensburg, she had another daughter Gabrielle Allenbaugh on May 13, 2002. Jennifer became a grandmother to Ily Jo Butcher on May 23, 2009. She loved being a grandma and Ily was a little sparkle in her eye. Through her work as an Independent Contract Paper Carrier with the Yakima Herald Republic and the Ellensburg Daily Record Jennifer met David L. Coon. Jennifer knew this was her man and she was the one to propose marriage (without a ring). They were married in Ellensburg, February 25, 2012 at The American Legion. Dave and Jennifer have delivered newspapers for 15 years. Jennifer, who was unconditionally committed to the responsibilities of her job, never missed a single day of work or a single paper box. She loved her customers and they knew they could count on her timely delivery of the newspaper every day.

One of her great joys was riding motorcycles with Dave. Dave owned a motorcycle when they met and enjoyed taking his out on short excursions during his time off from work. They tried riding double a couple of times and it didn't take long for him to decide to get Jennifer a bike of her own. She was so excited and announced the "key ring" as her engagement ring since she was the one to propose.

One word could define her: Kindhearted! Jennifer had a deep love for animals and critters. From early childhood and throughout her life she always had animals as a part of her family. Her current fur family included 3 horses, 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 rabbits. She always had a fur baby on her lap. Not only did she have a soft spot for a stray animal but a sincere compassion for humans in need. Jennifer had a warm heart and would easily invite anyone to join for a meal or a short stay. She was truly loyal to her many friends. Jennifer accepted each person as who they were. She was not one to hold judgment or criticize.

Jennifer Jo is survived by her dear husband, Dave Coon, daughters Sadie and Gaby and granddaughter Ily, along with her mother Hazel J. Allenbaugh. Siblings include Dawn (Ron) Gunner, Kelly (Johan) Jansema, Jamie (Mikeal) Allenbaugh, Bill (Carol) Allenbaugh, Dianne (Bill) Sorenson, Robin (Mike) Tarbert. Her family includes nieces Dani, Lahney, Kohlby, Mihley, and nephew R.J. David's family is her family, too. They include Robert (Resa) Coon, Alan (Becky) Coon, Thomas (Alisha) Coon, and Richard (Tanya) Startin and the many children of family gatherings. Jennifer Jo is preceded in death by her father William James Allenbaugh.

"Spread your wings as you go...Halleluiah you're home. We love you." Open viewing was held Friday, September 14 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Steward & Williams Funeral Home, Ellensburg. Funeral services took place at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 808 S. Magnolia St., Ellensburg. A gathering of family and friends took place at the after the service.